The article raises concerns about the evidence suggesting the inclusion of processed foods in official dietary guidelines. The authors point to a lack of convincing evidence that clearly links ultra-processed foods with negative health outcomes independent of their nutritional composition. Studies often do not take into account factors such as total calorie intake, diet quality or lifestyle. For example, the NOVA classification, used to indicate the degree of processing, does not take into account nutritional values and can lead to misleading interpretation. The authors emphasize that the current evidence is associative, not causal, and randomized controlled trials are lacking. Including processing in the guidelines could distract from proven recommendations for nutrients and overall diet. The article was published in Nature Medicine on January 6, 2026 with DOI: 10.1038/s41591-025-04085-9.