Experts say junk food needs to be covered with health warnings in the same way as cigarette packaging. This is to reduce obesity.
Researchers claimed that consumers are being ‘bamboozled” by firms’ clever marketing techniques to make ultra-processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt.
The experts suggested that food such as pizza, cake and fizzy drinks, which are not recognized by our grandparents, be marked with clear health warnings.
Experts have stated that junk food should be packaged with cigarette-style warnings to combat obesity (file photo).
We would be alerted to potential dangers such as obesity and diabetes.
The mandatory inclusion of text and photos in cigarette packets is required, including warnings about health hazards such as images of cancerous lungs.
The current traffic lights labels on food in the UK highlight fat, sodium, and calories.
BMJ Global Health published a study yesterday that found ultra-processed foods to be the “new tobacco” and recommended stricter regulations regarding their packaging.
Ministers unveiled an anti-obesity strategy last year. It will include a ban on TV advertising junk food before 9pm (image in file photo).
A box of cookies might include text warning consumers that they are highly processed and high in fat, salt, sugar, or both.
Researchers concluded that these foods were ‘associated positively with positive emotions’ because of ‘decades worth persuasive marketing.
Trish Cotter (New York-based public charity Vital Strategies) is the lead author. She said that the product’s industrial processing and the combination of flavours, colours, emulsifiers, and flavours they include to add flavour and texture makes it highly palatable, and can be addictive. This in turn causes poor eating habits.
Companies were forced to reformulate their recipes in response to a 2018 sugar tax that was introduced to soft drinks.
Miss Cotter stated that these products pose a higher risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease as well as stroke, depression, and even death.
Ultra-processed goods are those products that can be eaten immediately, have more than five ingredients, and last a very long time.
This is why the obesity rate has risen.
Ministers unveiled an anti-obesity strategy last year that includes a ban on advertising junk food in TV.
In 2018, a sugar tax was placed on soft drinks. This led to firms reformulating recipes which, in turn, led to lower sugar consumption.
The Prime Minister did not support a suggestion to tax sugar wholesale and salt purchased by manufacturers.