The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a formal call for experts to contribute to the development of a landmark global guideline on the consumption of ultra-processed foods. This initiative marks a critical step forward in tackling the growing burden of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and promoting healthier food systems worldwide.
A Growing Global Concern
In recent years, research has increasingly linked diets high in ultra-processed foods – including many packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles, processed meats, and other industrial formulations – to negative health outcomes. These include higher risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
With diet recognised as a central factor in shaping both individual and public health, WHO is intensifying efforts to provide Member States with robust, science-based recommendations. This includes support for promoting healthy diets in schools, sporting venues, and workplaces, as well as updated guidance on macronutrient intake and food safety standards through its collaboration with the Codex Alimentarius.
The forthcoming guideline on ultra-processed food consumption will build upon this foundation, aligning with WHO’s broader agenda to foster healthier, safer, and more sustainable diets globally.
Why Ultra-Processed Foods Matter
Ultra-processed foods – such as sugary drinks, packaged snacks, processed meats, instant noodles, and many mass-produced bakery items – are often high in salt, sugar, unhealthy fats and additives. Designed for long shelf life and convenience, these products are increasingly consumed across all regions.
Research has consistently linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods with an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, mental health issues, and early mortality. Some studies suggest that people who regularly consume these foods may inadvertently eat significantly more calories each day, contributing to long-term weight gain and associated health complications.
In response to these findings, WHO is taking steps to define how ultra-processed foods should be addressed in public health nutrition, particularly in the context of promoting healthier, more sustainable diets.
Developing the Guideline: A Collaborative Approach
WHO is forming a multidisciplinary Guideline Development Group to shape this new guidance. The group will be composed of global experts with a range of expertise in nutrition, public health, food systems, epidemiology, and other related disciplines. It will reflect regional diversity and consider cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
The group’s primary tasks will include:
- Reviewing the latest scientific evidence on UPF consumption and health outcomes;
- Assessing the level and frequency of UPF intake that may be considered harmful;
- Developing practical recommendations to inform public health policy;
- Producing contextual information to guide implementation at the national level.
The final guideline will aim to provide clear, evidence-informed direction to governments and policymakers seeking to address the role of UPFs in the diet.
Call for Expert Participation
To ensure the guideline is comprehensive, inclusive and rooted in the best available evidence, WHO is assembling a multidisciplinary group of experts to form its Guideline Development Group (GDG). This panel will reflect regional diversity and expertise across nutrition science, epidemiology, food policy, public health, food systems, and other relevant fields.
Experts selected will play a pivotal role in:
- Assessing the evidence base on ultra-processed food consumption and associated health outcomes.
- Formulating clear, evidence-informed recommendations.
- Considering regional and cultural contexts to ensure the guideline is globally relevant and applicable.
- Supporting the finalisation of a guideline that can effectively inform national policy-making and global strategies.
A Milestone in Global Public Health
This global call reflects the urgency of addressing the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods and their role in the global NCD epidemic. By contributing to the development of this guideline, selected experts will help shape the next generation of public health nutrition policy, with implications for millions of lives worldwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global call for experts to form part of a Guideline Development Group aimed at the creation of a first-of-its-kind guideline on the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This initiative follows mounting evidence linking UPF-rich diets with unhealthy outcomes, and complements WHO’s existing advice on macronutrients and upcoming guidelines concerning animal-source foods.
What the Guideline Will Address
According to FoodNavigator, WHO aims to:
- Determine how much UPF should be consumed.
- Clarify whether certain processed foods may be acceptable or are specifically to be avoided.
- Potentially revisit or elaborate on the NOVA classification framework, which currently groups foods based on their processing level but has drawn criticism for grouping nutritionally diverse items like wholegrain bread and sugary breakfast cereals together
The Guideline Development Group will undertake systematic assessments, weighing up benefits, risks, affordability and equity before producing evidence-informed global recommendations and contextual guidance for policymakers
What This Means for Public Health and Industry
The forthcoming UPF guideline has the potential to shape national dietary advice, food labelling, school food policies, marketing regulations, and fiscal measures. The processed food sector is already “on alert” – given that WHO’s stance could influence policy and consumer behaviour worldwide .
In Summary
- The WHO’s call marks a significant turning point in the global effort to tackle diet-related NCDs.
- Backed by growing evidence that diets high in ultra-processed foods contribute to poorer health outcomes, these guidelines aim to frame consumption limits and clarify which products may be acceptable.
- The initiative offers a unique opportunity for experts worldwide to shape evidence-based, inclusive dietary policy that could impact global nutrition and food systems.
More information
https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2025/06/19/who-ultra-processed-food-guidance
