Ultra-processed foods have skyrocketed, and it's time for the government to step in. New Zealand's imports of these foods have increased dramatically over the past three decades, from 16 kilograms per person in 1990 to a staggering 104 kilograms in 2023. This alarming trend is not just a New Zealand issue; it's a global concern. The Lancet, a renowned medical journal, defines ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as commercial formulations made from cheap ingredients, combined with additives, and often lacking whole food. These foods, including soft drinks, snacks, and ready meals, are linked to a myriad of health issues, from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and depression. But the impact isn't just on our health; UPFs are environmentally damaging due to their plastic packaging and production processes. What's more concerning is that we don't have a clear picture of how much UPFs New Zealanders are consuming. The last national nutrition survey was conducted in 2008, and it's likely that half the population's energy intake comes from UPFs. This is a critical issue that demands attention. UPFs are made from cheap inputs like high-yield crops and meat scraps, processed using industrial techniques. They are high in calories, sugars, salt, and fats, often containing additives to enhance taste and appearance. Shockingly, about 70% of packaged food in New Zealand supermarkets is ultra-processed, and the consequences are dire. Unhealthy diets and excess weight contribute to 18% of premature death and disability, with UPFs playing a significant role. The history of UPFs is intertwined with the global market. Initially developed as military rations during World War II, they have since become ubiquitous. US tobacco companies played a pivotal role, applying their knowledge of flavors and child-focused marketing to create hyper-palatable, addictive products. These companies then expanded their reach, targeting middle- and lower-income countries, including New Zealand. New Zealand's food system underwent a significant transformation in the 1980s and 1990s due to neoliberal reforms. The country opened up to overseas imports and foreign investment, leading to a surge in UPFs. Tracking imports reveals a concerning trend: food derivatives like industrial sweeteners and commodity ingredients are becoming a significant portion of import volumes. In 2023, New Zealand imported nearly 21 kilograms of industrial sugar sweeteners per person, in addition to regular cooking sugar. This influx of UPFs coincides with a rise in obesity, suggesting that we may be consuming too much of these unhealthy foods. The recommended dietary patterns, as suggested by top food system experts, emphasize whole or minimally processed foods, primarily plant-sourced, with minimal added sugars, saturated fats, and salt. However, New Zealand's food environment is dominated by UPFs, including products targeted at children. Social and economic factors, such as food insecurity and limited inter-generational support, contribute to people's reliance on cheap, convenient UPFs. The addictive nature of these foods, coupled with constant marketing, makes it challenging to break free from their grasp. Market self-correction and individual behavioral change are not enough to shift these trends. Successive governments have failed to implement internationally recommended policies for regulating unhealthy food products, as highlighted in a 2023 progress report. The report calls for mandatory regulations to reduce unhealthy food marketing, a levy on sugary drinks, and targets for reducing salt and added sugar in processed and ultra-processed foods. However, making healthy, whole foods more available and affordable is also crucial. A comprehensive policy package, including these interventions, is necessary to promote healthier food environments and significantly reduce UPF consumption among New Zealanders. It's time for the government to take action and protect the health and well-being of its citizens.
