Here’s why simplistically demonizing ultra-processed foods is shortsighted

Sylvain Charlebois | Saskatoon Star Phoenix | January 20, 2025

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The resurgence of rhetoric around the food industry “feeding us poison,” spurred by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (and the potential return of Donald Trump), signals a renewed politicization of ultra-processed foods.

This narrative is neither new nor entirely grounded in fact. For years, various groups have demonized the role of ultra-processed foods in modern diets, focusing on their negative health implications while often ignoring the broader context and benefits of food processing.

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Critics of food processing often fail to appreciate its role in modern society. Demonizing ultra-processed foods as inherently harmful ignores the historical and ongoing benefits of food processing.

It is essential to recognize that processing itself is not the enemy; rather, it is excessive consumption of certain products that poses risks. By focusing on responsible consumption and innovation, the food industry can continue to meet the evolving needs of society.