Food processing

Study Finds Listeria monocytogenes Bacteria Persist in Ready-to-Eat Food Production Environments

A recent study by scientists from the Quadram Institute and the UK Health Security Agency found that Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can persist in ready-to-eat food production environments despite cleaning. The researchers discovered stable bacterial populations coexisting with L. monocytogenes, suggesting the need for new strategies to alter entire bacterial populations for complete pathogen elimination. The study’s lead scientist, Dr. María Díaz, emphasized the importance of cleaning in reducing bacterial load and mitigating cross-contamination, while also noting significant differences in bacterial populations in areas of the facility kept at different temperatures.

Dr. Michael Mosley’s Experiment Sheds Light on Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods

The surge in obesity rates in the UK has been linked to the growing consumption of unhealthy takeaways and ultra-processed junk food. Dr. Michael Mosley conducted an experiment to shed light on the impact of ultra-processed foods, revealing potential effects on key health indicators. The rise in obesity rates has placed a significant burden on the healthcare system, underscoring the urgency of addressing the root causes of the obesity crisis.

Ultraprocessed Foods and Negative Health Outcomes

A new ‘mega-review’ study has found that ultraprocessed foods contribute to over 30 negative health outcomes, including obesity, heart disease, cancer, mental health disorders, and premature death. The study emphasizes the need for further research on the impact of these foods on the brain and gut microbiome, as well as public health strategies to reduce their consumption.

Ultra-processed Food Linked to 32 Harmful Health Effects, Largest Review Finds

A review involving almost 10 million people has found that diets high in ultra-processed food (UPF) are linked to 32 harmful health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, adverse mental health, and early death. The experts involved in the review concluded that greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, emphasizing the need for measures to target and reduce UPF consumption for improved human health.

Ultra-Processed Foods Identified as ‘Silent’ Killer in American Diet, Research Suggests

Research from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine suggests that ultra-processed foods, now making up a large portion of the American diet, could be a major contributor to declining health. Loaded with additives and novel ingredients, these foods are stripping away healthy nutrients and introducing potentially harmful elements. The rise in consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to a decline in life expectancy and an increase in non-communicable diseases. Health care providers are urged to address this issue to combat its impact on public health.

Confusion over ultra-processed food labelling- study

Confusion arises over the effectiveness of the current ‘traffic-light’ system for labelling ultra-processed foods, as experts argue that it may not provide sufficient information for consumers. While many ultra-processed foods are clearly unhealthy, some may fall into the ‘healthy’ green category, leading to potential confusion for consumers. The link between ultra-processed foods and health outcomes such as obesity and heart disease is still not fully understood, with experts calling for more research in this area.

The Science Behind Overeating Ultraprocessed Foods

Why do many people overeat chips, cereals, cakes, puddings, and other ultraprocessed foods despite knowing those foods may not be healthy? According to emerging science, it may be due to manufacturing processes that “predigest” raw food ingredients — creating ultraprocessed…

The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods

Are you addicted to ultra-processed food? Nutritionist Rob Hobson warns about the health risks hidden in our kitchen presses Convenient, often cheap and sometimes seen as the healthy option, ultra-processed foods are eaten by most of us on a daily…

Debate Over Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods have been a hot topic of discussion in recent months, sparked by the release of TV presenter and doctor of virology Chris Van Tulleken’s book, ‘Ultra-Processed People.’ These foods, characterized by their commercial manufacturing and inclusion of ingredients…

The Shocking Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods

As a nutritionist, I’ve always prided myself on eating a balanced diet. But when health warnings about ultra-processed foods (UPFs) started to reach the mainstream, I was shocked to learn even I was unwittingly consuming more UPFs than I thought…