Households across the UK will be asked to share their views on what actions should be taken to tackle ultra-processed foods (UPF), in a “ground-breaking” government-funded consultation feeding into its new National Food Strategy.
The project has been commissioned by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and is being overseen by an expert group including leading scientists, Defra, the Department of Health, campaign groups and food industry representatives.
The UKRI, which is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, said the project was the first in-depth “deliberative dialogue” focusing specifically on what should be done to tackle UPFs.
It comes after health secretary Wes Streeting last month called for scientists to “fill the gap” in information over the impact of UPFs, after last year’s report on obesity and diet by the House of Lords called on ministers to “hold the industry to account” and go “much further” to regulate UPFs.
Thousands of households will be asked to share what they think about UPFs, including how they affect their health, as well as their views on governance and regulation.
In addition, the research will explore where people get their information from and who they trust when it comes to UPFs.
UKRI bosses said research had revealed increased consumption of HFSS foods and UPFs had been linked to rising rates of obesity and poor health. The UK population ranks among the worst in Europe for levels of obesity and is one of the biggest consumers of UPFs.
UKRI said that while many UPFs were high in fat, salt and sugar, the study would tackle confusion over some foods that contain valuable nutrition, such as sliced wholemeal bread and fish fingers, which were also categorised as UPF.
It said the insights of the study would be used to “shape the direction of research and feed into work underway to create the new food strategy”. Meetings over the strategy involving a coalition of industry experts, government officials and NGOs are due to take place in the next few weeks, with a brief including tackling the obesity crisis and unhealthy diets.
An oversight group, made up of representatives from academia, government, industry and non-governmental organisations, will advise on the public dialogue, including updating on its progress. The main role of the group would be to ensure that “all voices” feed into the dialogue, UKRI said.
Members of the group, which held its first meeting last month, include Food Foundation executive director Anna Taylor, FDF chief scientific officer Kate Halliwell, Food Ethics Council executive director Dan Crossley, and scientists and officials from Defra, DHSC and the FSA.
Ursus Consulting, which has been used by government departments to consult on areas including economic, health and environmental strategy, is to evaluate the results when they are revealed in January next year.
“We know that ultra-processed foods are a major component of modern diets,” said Dr Riaz Bhunnoo, associate director of UKRI’s Global Food Security Programme.
“This new dialogue will explore some of the complexities around how people view UPFs and their place in our food system and we hope that as a result, future research into UPFs will better respond to people’s experiences and priorities.”
Tom Saunders, head of public engagement at UKRI, said: “This groundbreaking public dialogue comes at a crucial moment in the debate around ultra-processed foods.
“By bringing public voices into a conversation that they have not been involved in, we will gain vital insights into people’s lived experiences, concerns, and hopes.
“This evidence will be instrumental in shaping future research and ensuring it responds to real public needs and priorities.
“Tackling obesity and related poor health is hugely challenging, and understanding the role of UPFs in dietary choices and ill health is a major part of this.”
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