Government is failing to protect public from ultraprocessed foods, says BMA

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Source: BMJ

Original: http://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s317.short?rss=1...

Published: 2026-02-16T08:26:06-08:00

The British Medical Association (BMA) says the government is failing to protect public health from ultra-processed foods (UPF). Ministers need to limit the aggressive marketing of these products. The BMA called on the Government to support doctors and health professionals in providing information about healthy eating. A new BMA report says just five companies are responsible for advertising on TV before 9pm: Haribo, Mars, Mondelez and PepsiCo for snacks and confectionery. Industry lobbying prevents essential food policies. The BMA is calling for processing levels to be included in UK regulation. The report highlights a clear link between UPF and poor health outcomes, but policymakers have failed to include them in dietary guidelines.