Mission 

To advance understanding of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and strengthen global research, policy, and practice to reduce their negative impacts on human and planetary health. 

Background 

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations with little or no whole foods, designed for profit and overconsumption. Evidence links them to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and environmental degradation. While awareness is growing, global policy responses remain inconsistent, leaving a critical need for coordinated scientific and policy action. 

Key Objectives 

• Build global collaborations among nutrition scientists at all career stages. 

• Promote awareness of UPFs and their impacts on health and sustainability. 

• Develop an operational definition of UPFs to guide food policy and regulation. 

• Create a research roadmap to inform future studies and advocacy. 

• Communicate evidence through publications, webinars, and international symposia. 

Leadership Team 

• Chair: Professor Mark Lawrence (Deakin University, Australia) 

• Deputy Chair: Dr. Phil Baker (University of Sydney, Australia) 

• Core Members: Prof. Carlos Monteiro (Brazil), Prof. Camila Corvalán (Chile), Dr. Maria Laura Louzada (Brazil), Prof. Barry Popkin (USA), Prof. Amos Laar (Ghana), and others.