How harmful are ultra-processed foods, really?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are entrenched in Singaporeans' busy routines and the country's import-reliant food ecosystem. But as global debate heats up over their health risks, experts say the case for regulating them through policy reforms is not as clear-cut as it may seem. Experts told CNA that simply broadly regulating UPFs may not directly or adequately address public concerns. A key challenge is that UPFs are not defined by specific nutrients, but by the presence of certain ingredients or industrial processes - classifications that scientists themselves often disagree on. Dr Akshar Saxena, assistant professor of economics at NTU, noted that the regulatory challenge goes beyond scientific disagreement, as unclear definitions also mean unclear rules. Dr Saxena’s research shows sugar-sweetened beverages are consumed more by low-income groups, who are also more price-sensitive, and as food prices rise, budget-conscious households may shift toward cheaper, calorie-dense options, including UPFs.

- Facilitated by CCO.

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