ACI Group calls for clarity in the ultra-processed food debate amid growing consumer confusion

The news comes at a time when ultra-processed foods (UPF) have come under scientific scrutiny, with the conversation intensifying following the publication of the world’s largest review of UPFs in a series of articles in The Lancet.

The review linked UPFs to harm in every major organ in the human body. However, it was subject to criticism from many food industry experts who argue that UPF is a poorly-defined category that contains foods of wildly differing nutritional profiles.

“The food industry needs clarity, not controversy,” said Jack Helm, Account Manager – Food, at ACI Group. “Brands innovating responsibly are judged by the same criteria as those that aren’t. We need a shared, science-backed framework that distinguishes necessary processing from unnecessary manipulation. Without consistency, both trust and innovation are at risk.”

Helm also highlighted a long-standing problem within the food industry; despite intense public and regulatory concern, there is still no consistent, evidence-led definition of what qualifies as ultra-processed food. Under existing classification frameworks, a wide range of products can be categorised as ultra-processed despite offering functional and nutritional benefits.

He added, “It’s created a market where cereals containing a single ingredient are being pushed as ‘healthy’ despite offering no nutritional value, while fortified cereals – which are proven to offer numerous health benefits – are lumped in with harmful UPFs. The answer lies not in demonising processing, but in defining it responsibly. By combining transparency, science, and purpose-driven reformulation, we can build a food system that consumers can trust and that regulators can confidently endorse.”

As the UK prepares to expand HFSS marketing restrictions and nutrient profiling rules by 2026, ACI is focused on facilitating collaboration between regulators, scientists, and manufacturers to ensure policy reflects real-world food formulation. Its portfolio of ingredients contains a wide range of functional solutions that support science-backed health claims, helping food manufacturers improve clarity and transparency.

To learn more about ACI’s range of food ingredients, visit www.acigroup.biz.