Why in news?
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) growing global public health concern due to their strong association with chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, mental health disorders and higher mortality rates.

About Ultra-processed foods

• Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made mostly from substances extracted or refined from whole foods, often with many additives.
• They contain ingredients like sugar, fat, salt, preservatives, colorings, flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, and other additives not usually found in home cooking.​
• They reduce satiety and encourage overeating through their hyper-palatable taste and high energy density.​
• UPFs tend to be high in calories, sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt while being low in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.​
• Examples include packaged snacks, soft drinks, ready meals, processed meats, sweetened drinks, cakes, ice cream, burgers, and instant noodles.​
• They are designed for profitability, convenience, long shelf life, and aggressive marketing, often targeting youth and middle-income consumers.

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