Latest developments: 14 March 2025
Topics
UKRI and Sciencewise public dialogue on UPF
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with support from Sciencewise, the UKRI funded public dialogue programme, has commissioned a public dialogue to exploring the public’s views on ultra-processed food (UPF). The project started in January and will run for the year with findings due to be reported once the project has concluded. FDF’s Kate Halliwell sits on the oversight group alongside academics, NGOs and officials from Government bodies.
Although a recent article in The Grocer linked the public dialogue to the National Food Strategy, the primary purpose of the public dialogue is to be one of the inputs which will inform where UKRI places research funding in the future. The results will be publicly available, and so may also be used by policy makers in the future.
UKRI noted: "The dialogue is not specifically aimed at the national food strategy… [it] is an example of something it could feed into, as the findings will be made widely available, including to policymakers."
Emulsifiers and Crohn’s disease
Last week an article was published on research presented at the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) conference. The research showed that dietary restriction of emulsifiers commonly found in UPFs reduce the symptoms and inflammation in those with an active Crohn’s flare up. Although the preliminary results are interesting, the full paper once published later this year will offer more information.
Welsh prevention of ill health inquiry
At the Welsh Senedd Health and Social Care committee inquiry on prevention of ill health, Public Health Wales gave oral evidence. Of concern was Dr Julie Bishop, Director of Health Improvement, Public Health Wales stating "The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, which advises all of the UK Governments on nutrition policy, looked at this issue and they did not make recommendations to restrict ultra-processed foods. I personally, as a professional, think that was unwise."
Dr Bishop notes the epidemiological evidence is compelling but there is uncertainty around the exact mechanism. She also notes that Public Health Wales will continue to advocate for the revised school food standards to refer to UPFs.
Considering that Public Health Wales are due to publish a position statement on UPF and adverse health outcomes, it is likely that this sentiment will be featured. The FDF will raise this concern with DHSC.
Horizon scanning
On Thursday 20 March, the European Federation of Food Science and Technology (EFFoST) and International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) will host a roundtable to explore the science behind food processing and to examine the role of formulation in balancing health benefits, taste, food safety and sustainability.