TV food scientist reinforces call for better UPF regulation ahead of annual lecture series
20 Dec 2024
Warning labels and “carefully considered taxes” would provide a start on the improved regulation of ultra processed food (UPF) consumption, suggests the scientist and broadcaster Dr Chris van Tulleken.
In an interview with Process Engineering’s sister publication Laboratory News, published shortly before his appearance as this year’s Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, van Tulleken outlined the focus of his talks, including dietary health:
“For planetary health we need to reimagine the food system and that must start with demand,” he remarked.
“I want to expose the workings of the food system and hope that will change both the demand for UPF and the way we regulate the system, The line detail on regulation is complex but we should start with warning labels and carefully considered taxes.”
However, the scientist acknowledged that more needed to be done globally to involve process industries in addressing the ethical and economic challenges.
“One of the things that is very obvious from this research is that it is very hard for institutions that profit from products or activities causing problems to fund solutions,” he stated, adding that his work with bodies including the World Health Organisation and UNICEF aimed to improve their approaches to commercial actors.
I want to expose the workings of the food system and hope that will change both the demand for UPF and the way we regulate the system, The line detail on regulation is complex but we should start with warning labels and carefully considered taxes
Dr Chris van Tulleken
Also in the magazine, which can be read free in digital form here, Dr Rachel Sully considers the sustainability advances being made in the field of molecular diagnostics. The techniques contribute to a range of activities across process sectors including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and drink and energy.
Specifically, diagnostics contributes to contamination detection, quality control, process optimisation, predictive maintenance, monitoring the environment, plus enhancing performance in energy and biofuels.
And refrigeration, an area key to all process sectors, also comes under the spotlight as Mohammed Choudhury highlights the importance of compliance, alongside focus on cost and efficiency.
To read the digital edition of Laboratory News click here.
Pic: Paul Wilkinson Photography for Ri Christmas Lectures
