[hedora]

https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj-2023-078476

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658669/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25804833/

^—- Conclusions: The consumption of ultra-processed products (i.e. foods with low nutritional value but high energy density) has increased dramatically in Sweden since 1960, which mirrors the increased prevalence of obesity. Future research should clarify the potential causal role of ultra-processed products in weight gain and obesity.

So, the last one has a quantitative definition that could be used for a preliminary ban.

Also, all those articles link many more. One click deep will provide a dozen concurring studies. I didn’t feel like adding more links.

[brokensegue]

"foods with low nutritional value but high energy density" is not the definition of UPFs that I've seen most often. The definition I most see is the NOVA classification. NOVA doesn't require a UPF food to be of low nutritional value or high energy density.

Also the GOP opposed mere taxes on sugary drinks but now they want to ban UPFs? I don't believe it.

[hedora]

Of course. The study goes back to the 1960’s, so they can’t use classifications that didn’t exist back then.

That’s why I said “preliminary”

Alternatively, they could read more than three abstracts, and find a better definition.

Regardless, there’s enough evidence for a ban, and also quantifiable metrics that could be used to define one.

I’d expect the regulators and scientific community to do better than my proposal.