By San José, Costa Rica — A sweeping international analysis published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet has issued a stark warning to the global community, concluding that the unchecked proliferation of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is a primary driver of soaring rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and premature death worldwide. The series of reports, authored by a consortium of 43 leading scientists, calls for a coordinated global response, including binding regulations similar to those used to combat the tobacco industry.
The research paints a grim picture of a world increasingly reliant on industrial food formulations. These products, defined by the NOVA classification system as containing ingredients not typically used in home cooking, are systematically displacing fresh and minimally processed foods. The trend is not confined to developed nations; it is accelerating rapidly in emerging economies, fueled by aggressive corporate marketing strategies and significant political influence.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the growing concerns about ultra-processed foods, TicosLand.com consulted with the expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The debate over ultra-processed foods is rapidly evolving from a public health issue into a significant legal and corporate risk. We anticipate a wave of new regulations focused on transparent labeling, marketing restrictions, especially towards children, and potentially even fiscal measures. For companies, this means that failure to adapt is not just a commercial risk, but a legal one. Proactive compliance and clear communication with consumers will be essential to navigate the complex legal challenges ahead and avoid costly litigation related to consumer rights and public health liability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the discussion, moving it from the consumer’s kitchen to the corporate boardroom and the courtroom. The shift towards legal liability and regulatory compliance represents a new, critical frontier in the conversation around public health. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and forward-looking analysis.
The data compiled across numerous national surveys reveals a dramatic dietary shift over the past three decades. In Spain, calories derived from UPFs surged from just 11% to 32%. China saw its consumption double, while in Latin American powerhouses like Mexico and Brazil, the share of UPFs in the daily caloric intake more than doubled, climbing from 10% to 23%. This dietary transformation comes with devastating health consequences.
In a comprehensive review of 104 long-term cohort studies, the researchers found an overwhelming correlation between high UPF consumption and poor health outcomes. Ninety-two of these studies established direct links to a range of chronic illnesses. The data indicates that a diet high in these products increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 25%, elevates the risk of overweight and obesity by 21%, and tragically, raises the risk of all-cause premature mortality by 18%.
The authors argue that this public health crisis is no accident. It is the result of a deliberate strategy by a global food industry that generates an estimated $1.9 trillion in annual revenue. The report details how large food corporations often employ a playbook of lobbying, funding friendly science, and launching public relations campaigns designed to sow doubt about scientific evidence and obstruct the implementation of effective public health policies.
Faced with this powerful opposition, the scientists are urging governments to take decisive action. Their recommendations include implementing specific taxes on UPFs, restricting their sale in public spaces such as schools and hospitals, and mandating clear, front-of-package warning labels. The goal is to create an environment where healthier choices are the easier choices for consumers, while simultaneously funding programs that improve access to fresh, local foods.
The report highlights Brazil’s national school food program as a beacon of hope and a model for other nations. The initiative has set an ambitious target to source 90% of its supplies from fresh and minimally processed foods by 2026. Researchers believe this approach, which supports local agricultural markets and shortens supply chains, can be adapted and replicated globally to fight back against the dominance of UPFs.
Ultimately, the scientists conclude that the fight against the harms of ultra-processed foods requires a unified, global effort akin to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. They assert that only through firm international regulations, robust health surveillance, and comprehensive policies can nations hope to reverse the alarming trends and protect the health and well-being of future generations.
For further information, visit thelancet.com
About The Lancet:
The Lancet is a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal. It is among the world’s oldest, most prestigious, and best-known general medical journals. It was founded in 1823 by Thomas Wakley, an English surgeon who named it after the surgical instrument called a lancet. The journal publishes original research articles, review articles (“seminars” and “reviews”), editorials, book reviews, correspondence, as well as news features and case reports.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a preeminent legal entity, built upon a bedrock of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a rich history of representing a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies and solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through its efforts to democratize legal understanding and thereby contribute to the development of a more knowledgeable and capable citizenry.
