Health: Ultra-processed Food Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord McColl of Dulwich
Main Page: Lord McColl of Dulwich (Conservative - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord McColl of Dulwich's debates with the Department of Health and Social Care
(3 days, 4 hours ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, we have plenty of time. We will hear from the Cross Benches next.
I am grateful to the noble Lord for bringing his expertise and commitment to this area. It is indeed the case that the majority of foods classified or considered as ultra-processed foods also tend to be high in calories, saturated fat, salt and sugar, for which there is more definitive evidence, as the noble Lord has referred to. It is the case that many UPFs are already captured by the Government’s considerable programme of work to improve the food environment.
My Lords, I congratulate the Government in general, and the Minister in particular, on taking such a sensible view about the great red herring that is ultra-processed food. There is no scientific evidence that it specifically causes obesity. Obesity is caused by eating too much of anything, and the answer is to reduce the amount of food that people eat.
I am grateful to the noble Lord for his appreciation of the Government’s efforts in this regard. I believe we have to consider the role of ultra-processed foods, but that has to be based on evidence and scientific truth, rather than speculation. That is why the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition has shown concern but cannot prove a direct link. It is not necessarily about the processing, but we know that high fat, salt and sugar is a problem for healthy living, and that is mostly a very good description of UPFs.