Topic 2.5: Use of ultra-processed foods in food aid programmes
New food policies regarding ultra-processed foods have been implemented at different levels. More specifically:
- More than 45 countries and smaller sub-regional or urban entities have created taxes on ultra-processed drinks (e.g., sugary beverages) and a few have adopted taxes on snacks and other ultra-processed foods.
- A smaller number of countries have selected the most impactful warning labels and linked them with other measures to create a mutually reinforcing set of policies.
These policies include:
- fiscal measures (primarily taxes)
- regulations to decrease or ban marketing of ultra-processed foods (especially to children)
- front-of-package warning labels
- setting limits on sodium or trans fat in processed foods
- regulations controlling access to and promotion of ultra-processed foods in schools
Following that, more and more local and national food aid programmes attempt to adapt to a more sustainable version and reduce the use of ultra-processed foods due to their health impact.
How could food aid programmes reduce the use of ultra-processed foods?
- It is recommended to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using ultra-processed foods and try to find alternative options (trade-offs) while designing, monitoring and evaluating food aid programmes. In some cases (e.g., extreme settings or food insecurity), the use of some form of processed foods may be inevitable. Case study 1 is an example of food aid programmes that promote sustainability despite using ultra-processed foods.
It is good practice to recognise these products by reading and understanding their ingredients on food labels and inform beneficiaries about their negative implications on health. Beneficiaries should be encouraged to reduce the intake of these foods and replace those with healthier and more sustainable options (You will learn more about healthy and sustainable diets in Unit 3). Case study 2 is an example of a food aid programme that does not use ultra-processed foods.