A recent TIME Magazine article suggesting that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) might not be "as bad as you think" has sparked outrage among health advocates, who accuse the magazine of irresponsible messaging.
Health advocates have brought a recent TIME Magazine article under fire for appearing to suggest that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) might not be "as bad as you think." The article, published last week, followed one California-based dietitian's fight against the "mounting war on ultra-processed foods" and why they are excessively demonized, including a widespread neglect to address food insecurity and UPF consumption among marginalized groups.
The article also links to a 2024 study which found that those who consume processed foods can still be healthy and suggested that "although the researchers did find links between heavily processed diets and risk of premature death," overall diet may be the more important factor.
TIME Magazine's Flip-Flopping on Ultra-Processed Foods Draws Fire
"Some of these articles really are irresponsible in their messaging," Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier said Sunday.
Ultra-processed foods have come into focus amid former presidential candidate RFK, Jr.'s push to "Make America Healthy Again."
TIME Magazine's Flip-Flopping on Ultra-Processed Foods Draws Fire
"When we're talking about food, obviously, walking outside, getting your fresh fruits and vegetables and even animal products, farm-to-table is the healthiest thing you could possibly do, but we also have a lot of minimally processed foods, like olive oil [and] tuna fish, because it's changed from its natural state, and now it's put into oil or given some salt. But then what we're really talking about here are those ultra-processed foods, which not only has changed from its natural state, but additives, chemicals, preservatives and even dyes and artificial flavorings are now being added to it."
Saphier explained that food items with a shelf life beyond two weeks are likely ultra-processed.
TIME Magazine's Flip-Flopping on Ultra-Processed Foods Draws Fire
"Not all ultra-processed foods are equally bad for you," she continued. "But the bottom line is – it's all kind of bad for you, so the messaging shouldn't be, 'Well, they're not that bad.' The messaging should be. 'How can we get healthier, more nutritious foods to into the people's homes so they're not reliant on cheaper unhealthier alternatives?'"
Though the article makes no mention of Trump or Kennedy, some speculate the topic came after their alliance with the focus of reducing chronic disease.
TIME Magazine's Flip-Flopping on Ultra-Processed Foods Draws Fire
Just last year, another TIME article labeled, "Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are So Bad for You," linked ultra-processed foods to increased risk of dementia, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and other comorbidities while sounding alarm bells over foods with ten or more ingredients and long shelf lives.
Though last week's article makes no mention of either figure, some speculate the change came after former Independent presidential candidate RFK, Jr. and former President Donald Trump joined forces partially under the pledge to "Make America Healthy Again."
"This is how they tell liberals what to think," Kennedy Jr. wrote on X in response to critics pointing out the conflicting TIME articles.
Kennedy has specifically homed in on the link between ultra-processed foods and chronic disease, particularly in children.
"We are mass poisoning all of our children and our adults," he insisted previously.
In response to the criticism, TIME Magazine has defended its coverage of ultra-processed foods, saying that it has always been "committed to providing our readers with accurate and balanced information on health and nutrition." However, the magazine's flip-flopping on this issue has raised questions about its credibility and its ability to provide unbiased information to its readers.
Health advocates say that TIME Magazine's recent article is a dangerous departure from the scientific consensus on ultra-processed foods. They argue that the magazine is downplaying the risks of these foods and that its messaging could have a negative impact on public health.
"Ultra-processed foods are a major public health problem," said Dr. Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University. "They are linked to a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity."
Nestle said that TIME Magazine's recent article "is a disservice to its readers." She said that the magazine is "giving people the wrong idea about ultra-processed foods" and that its messaging "could lead people to make unhealthy choices."
Other health advocates have also expressed concern about TIME Magazine's recent article.
"This article is a step backward for public health," said Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, a professor of family medicine at the University of Ottawa. "It is sending the wrong message to people about ultra-processed foods."
Freedhoff said that TIME Magazine should "retract this article and apologize to its readers." He said that the magazine "needs to do a better job of reporting on health and nutrition issues."
The debate over ultra-processed foods is likely to continue for some time. Health advocates say that it is important for people to be aware of the risks of these foods and to make healthy choices.
