Two European studies published in 2019 warned of the dangers of ultra-processed foods such as cereal or chocolate bars. Consuming it regularly increases the risk of cancer.
On the one hand, “these foods have a less favorable nutritional quality on average. They are richer in energy, in saturated fatty acids or in salt”explain in their research the team of Dr. Touvier. The trail of “food additivessuch as sulphites, glutamate, emulsifiers or sweeteners, which might have deleterious effects on health” is also explored.
The manufacturing process of these products might also be involved. Packaging in contact with food can also play a role. Most ultra-processed products contain preservatives, which allows them to keep for a while in our cupboards: “they therefore remain in contact with the packaging for a long time, which increases the risk of migration of the materials from the packaging to the food.”
