Ultra-Processed Foods

U.S. Right to Know is investigating the ultra-processed food industry, its products and their health risks. We also research and report on the industry’s influence, including on public policy, public health academics and journalists, as well as the influence of its front groups, such as the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and others.

Recent studies provide strong evidence that ultra-processed foods are increasing rates of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and obesity, stroke and – most alarmingly – all cause mortality. Yet the evidence also shows how the food industry conceives of, researches, produces, manufactures and markets addictive ultra-processed foods, so people will eat more of the foods that harm them.  

U.S. Right to Know has co-authored 12 academic studies about how the industry shapes science, policy and public opinion. Based on documents obtained by USRTK, these studies exposed: 

• How ultra-processed food industry front groups operate; 
• How food companies shape science and influence journalists and policymakers;
• How food industry funded lobby groups shape health policies around the world;
• How food and soda companies target children and mothers. 

Over 100,000 people have read these papers and they have driven worldwide news coverage, including seven articles in the BMJ, one of the world’s leading medical journals, and coverage in the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, the Guardian, Le Monde, Politico and many others.