Ultraprocessed Foods: Bad Nutrition or Bad Definition?
Henriette Monteiro Cordeiro de Azeredo, Eveline Monteiro Cordeiro de Azeredo
Abstract
The NOVA classification grouped foods according to type, degree, and purpose of food processing, creating the concept of “ultraprocessed foods” (UPF), which has been widely used. This Viewpoint has debated the NOVA classification, particularly the UPF concept. While the term is allegedly based on processing nature, extent, and purposes, it is actually based on food composition, being imprecise and misleading, and thus requiring revision.
Topics & Concepts
Food sciencePsychologyEnvironmental healthMedicineBiologyConsumer Attitudes and Food LabelingNutritional Studies and DietObesity, Physical Activity, Diet