A letter to The Guardian argues that British food policy should move away from a focus on fat, salt, and sugar toward targeting ultra-processed foods.

A recent health select committee report on obesity has prompted calls for a shift in British food policy. The report, which characterizes obesity as an engineered outcome rather than a failure of willpower, is being criticized for relying on the traditional "high in fat, salt or sugar" framework. Critics argue this approach fails to address the primary drivers of weight gain and type 2 diabetes.

Critique of Current Nutritional Policy

The current policy framework is described as being built on flawed nutritional science that prioritizes low-fat, calorie-controlled targets. This approach often encourages manufacturers to remove fat from products and replace it with sweet-tasting substitutes to meet "healthier" labeling requirements. Experts argue that sugar and refined carbohydrates are the primary drivers of health issues, while fat and salt are essential for bodily functions and vitamin absorption.

Focusing on Ultra-Processed Foods

The proposed solution involves shifting the focus to the ultra-processed food model, which utilizes cheap sugar and refined starch to create products engineered for shelf life and craveability. The current food system is criticized for making these items the most convenient, heavily advertised, and affordable options for consumers. The goal is to move toward a reduction in sugar and refined carbohydrates rather than maintaining a focus on fat and salt.