Big Dietetic Debate – Should we be concerned about ultra-processed foods?

In today’s debate episode, we’ll be discussing ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are a hot topic of conversation at the moment, not only in the nutrition world but also in the media – Everything from their definition to whether we should be cutting them out seems to be up for debate. So, following the publication of the British Nutrition Foundation’s position statement and SACN’s position statement on processed foods and health, we’re taking some time to dig into this topic with two experts - the BNF’s Nutrition Communications Manger Bridget Benelam and Registered Dietitian Dr Duane Mellor. Dr Duane Mellor is a double award-winning registered dietitian and science communicator. They are the Aston Medical School lead for Nutrition and Evidence-Based Medicine. Having a background in clinical dietetics supporting people living with diabetes they moved into medical education when joining Aston University as well as being the Associate Dean for Public Engagement in the College of Health and Life Sciences. In this role they works to support high quality science and health communication alongside the wider engagement of communities in designing and developing healthcare programmes. Duane has a keen interest in helping the people understand the science behind health related claims, so they can make more informed decisions about their own wellbeing. They are experienced in discussing a wide range of health topics across a range of media, from print through to television and radio. Bridget Benelam BSc MSc, Nutrition Communications Manager. After a BSc in Biochemistry (University of Manchester), Bridget studied for an MSc in Human Nutrition (King’s College London). From 2005-06 she worked at the Food Standards Agency, joined the British Nutrition Foundation in 2006 as a Nutrition Scientist. Bridget’s role at the Foundation is now focussed on the communication of evidence-based nutrition science to help people eat healthier and more sustainable diets. Show Notes British Nutrition Foundation position statement on the concept of ultra-processed foods (UPF): https://www.nutrition.org.uk/news/2023/position-statement-on-the-concept-of-ultra-processed-foods-upf/ SACN statement on processed foods and health: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sacn-statement-on-processed-foods-and-health Duane Mellor twitter: @DrDuaneRD