Food Standards Scotland has published five key facts about UPF to help consumers

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said the debate about UPFs has grown and consumers are increasingly aware, but not yet knowledgeable, about UPFs.

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The list includes information on UPFs based on a UK consumer survey which found that the majority wanted to see UPFs and junk food producers taxed. They believed it would reduce obesity levels in the UK.

Alana McDonald, Senior Public Health Nutritionist at the FSS, said: “While there is some evidence of the link between ultra-processed and processed foods and their health effects, it remains inconclusive and not strong enough to suggest changes to current dietary recommendations.”

She added: “There is strong evidence to suggest that diets high in sugar, salt and fat increase the risk of many chronic diseases, including stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.”

Click here to read more about why a UPF tax would be ineffective and nearly impossible

The five facts about UPFs do not condemn ultra-processed foods but argue that they can play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Claire Hislop, Public Health Scotland's organisational lead for diet and exercise, said not all processed foods were created equal.

Here are five key facts about UPF foods:

UPFs are not necessarily bad

Ultra-processed foods or foods that are processed in a way that doesn’t make them healthy. Terms like “processed,” “ultra-processed,” or “refined” describe how a product is made and do not refer to its nutritional content.

Safety in transformation

To ensure the safety of food and beverages, processing and additives are used. Antioxidants, antioxidants and emulsifiers extend the shelf life of food. After rigorous testing, the additives are approved.

The full impact of UPF is not known

The evidence linking foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) is strong. FSS said “the jury is still out” on whether it is HFSS or processing that is to blame.

Here you will find all the information you need

The UK uses colour-coded front-of-pack labels to indicate whether a product contains high or low levels of various nutrients. Red, amber and green traffic lights indicate whether a product contains high, moderate or low amounts of HFSS.

Small changes

The FDA advised consumers who consume too much UPF to "make small changes" that will lead to "big improvements" over time.