India is experiencing the fastest increase in sales and consumption of ultra-processed food products (UPFs), mirroring global patterns outlined in a new three-paper series published in The Lancet on Wednesday.

The series, authored by 43 global experts, argues that UPFs are steadily replacing traditional meals, worsening diet quality and contributing to a growing burden of chronic diseases.

The papers emphasise that while further research on UPFs is valuable, it should not delay “immediate and decisive public health action” to curb UPF consumption.

The authors note that improving diets cannot rely on individual choices alone and call for coordinated policies to reduce UPF production, marketing and availability.

UPFs generally refer to industrial formulations high in added sugar, fat, sa

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