The American Journal of Preventive Medicine study looked at consumption of UPFs by people aged between 30 and 69 in eight countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the UK and US.

The study aimed to assess the estimate risk of all-cause mortality and attributable epidemiologic burden for UPF consumption.

Where UPFs account for more than half of calorie intake, estimates varied from 4% (Colombia) to 14% (UK and US) of premature deaths linked to their intake.

The report commented: ‘The findings support that ultraprocessed food intake contributes significantly to the overall burden of disease in many countries, and its reduction should be included in national dietary guideline recommendations and addressed in public policies.

‘These findings highlight that adherence to ultraprocessed dietary pattern represents a relevant public health concern in middle- and high-income countries. The findings support the need for reducing the consumption of UPF through creation of healthy environments using regulatory and fiscal policies. National dietary guidelines of the 21st century must consider the purpose and extent of industrial processing of foods in their recommendations and the body of existing evidence on UPF and human health.'