Is a better definition enough to improve prevention? Our new policy guide explores why food policy needs to look beyond classification – and how science, AI, and personalized nutrition could help people make more informed choices.
“Ultra-Processed Foods – Beyond Oversimplification: From Classification to Smarter Prevention. A Practical Guide for Policymakers”, by Pietro Paganini, is now available.
For anyone looking to make sense of the UPF debate, it examines the limits of food classifications and sets out a practical path towards personalized prevention.
Explore the key takeaways below and download the full guide.
Why This Guide Matters
As policymakers in the United States and Europe examine ultra-processed foods more closely, the debate risks focusing on definitions rather than effective prevention.
A definition classifies products. It does not account for individual needs. The guide warns that competing definitions could create inconsistent classifications and regulatory uncertainty, while overlooking the multiple factors that shape diet and disease risk.
What the Guide Explores
For anyone interested in the UPF debate, the guide addresses three key questions:
- What can food classifications tell us? Where NOVA helps – and why its broad categories are insufficient, on their own, to guide regulation or prevention.
- What shapes dietary risk? Why nutritional quality, portions, frequency, food matrix, lifestyle, and individual needs matter alongside processing.
- How can technology support better decisions? The potential of AI, wearables, and digital food information to make prevention more personalized.
From Definitions to Smarter Prevention
Science does not end with a definition. The guide proposes moving beyond static classifications towards tools that connect product information with how much and how often people eat, their needs, and their lifestyles.
The goal: translate general nutrition guidance into everyday decisions that support balance and informed choices.
What would this shift mean for food policy and for the food on our plates?
Download the full guide to explore the evidence and proposals – and share it with anyone interested in the future of prevention.