Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition publish rapid evidence update on processed food and health

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) has published a rapid evidence update on processed food and health. The update considers new evidence published and whether any further assessment is necessary. The update concludes similar findings to the 2023 position, highlighting that whilst the observed association between UPF consumption and adverse health outcomes is concerning, there continues to be limitations in the evidence available.

SACN recommends that government:

• considers strategies and actions to implement SACN’s existing recommendations on processed foods
• considers whether incorporating messaging on processing improves dietary intakes without unintended consequences
• compels industry to make processing data publicly available to enable monitoring and further research on associations with health outcomes e.g. amounts of individual additives and NSS in food products and specific processing methods used.
• monitors consumption of individual additives such as emulsifiers and NSS in the UK diet, particularly among high consumers and vulnerable groups
• continues to review opportunities to monitor processed food consumption using the National Diet and Nutrition Survey