Technology as neither good nor bad: ultra-processed foods

More than fifteen years ago, Brazilian nutritionist Carlos Augusto Monteiro found that although Brazilian households spent little on sugar and oils, obesity continued to skyrocket, a problem he blamed largely on ultra-processed foods, a term he invented. As a result of his Nova classification system, we can now confirm that diets that include large amounts of ultra-processed food are harmful. In fact, we know that they represent one of the greatest threats to public health in general and even to the sustainability of healthcare systems.

Why do ultra-processed foods exist in the first place? Simply, because the food industry realized it could hack our food, and eliminate, add or replace some ingredients in order to make it addictive, so we would consume more. Every nutritionist worth their salt knows perfectly well the pernicious effects of ultra-processed foods, but when they try to do something about the problem or support politicians who try to introduce legislation to restrict consumption, they are systematically met with a food industry willing to do whatever it takes, from denouncing these nutritionists to lobbying so as to ensure that nothing is done and that these foods can continue to be widely sold.

The tactic of deny, denounce and delay (article without paywall here) is well-established by companies such as…