The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a science advisory warning of the health risks posed by ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and urging stronger efforts to limit their intake, according to a statement published in Circulation. UPFs, typically high in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium while low in fiber and essential nutrients, have been linked to obesity, abnormal glucose and insulin responses, gut microbiota disruption, and vascular complications.

The advisory notes that while certain fortified products, such as whole-grain foods, low-fat dairy, and select plant-based options, may support healthy diets, the majority of UPFs contribute negatively to cardiometabolic health. Industrial additives, packaging contaminants such as bisphenols, phthalates, and microplastics, and disruption of food structure may further exacerbate risk.

To address these concerns, the AHA outlined four priority actions: promoting dietary shifts toward minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, lean proteins, and seafood; implementing policies such as front-of-package labeling and taxation of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-sodium (HFSS) products; expanding research into the mechanisms linking UPFs to disease and improving regulatory databases; and modernizing FDA oversight of food additives with advanced tools and transparent evaluation processes.

While acknowledging the benefits of some processing methods, including improved food safety, affordability, and access, the AHA cautioned that unchecked expansion of UPFs could undermine nutrition security. The advisory emphasized that limiting UPF consumption is justified and called for coordinated action from consumers, policymakers, manufacturers, and researchers to foster a healthier and more sustainable food environment.