Junk food should also have warnings like cigarettes, why are experts suggesting to do so?

Given the serious health hazards posed by the consumption of ultra-processed food (junk food), a renowned medical expert has demanded that warning labels be put on these products like those on cigarettes.

Considering the serious health hazards posed by consuming ultra-processed food (junk food), a renowned medical expert has demanded that warning labels be put on these products like those on cigarettes. Professor Carlos Monteiro of the University of Sao Paulo has also recommended that a 'heavy tax' should be imposed on such food and the money collected from this tax should be used to subsidize fresh fruits and vegetables. Professor Monteiro is the originator of the term 'ultra-processed food'.

Ultra-processed foods are highly modified and usually contain large amounts of salt, sugar, fat, and industrial chemicals. Such foods include packaged chips, cakes, sweet cereals, bakery products, cold drinks, bacon, chicken nuggets, hotdogs, frozen pizza, etc. These ultra-processed foods are rich in additives such as oil, fat, sugar, starch, protein, and sodium.

Ahead of the conference in Sao Paulo, Monteiro told the Guardian that ultra-processed foods are increasing their share and dominating the global diet, even though they increase the risk of several chronic diseases. He added that ultra-processed foods are replacing healthier, less processed foods worldwide, while also worsening the quality of diets due to their many harmful properties. Together, these foods are fuelling an epidemic of obesity and other diet-related serious diseases, such as diabetes.

A Global Review published in January this year found that ultra-processed foods are directly linked to 32 harmful effects on health, including heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, adverse effects on mental health, and a higher risk of premature death. Monteiro told the media that the concern is now about the impact of ultra-processed foods on human health and that studies and reviews are no longer enough to warn people about the health risks. He said that public health campaigns are needed to prevent the dangers of ultra-processed food, just like campaigns against tobacco. Such campaigns will include the health risks of consuming ultra-processed food.