Episode transcript

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This is Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension.

From television to TikTok, ultra-processed food is a hot topic. Are ultra-processed foods safe or unsafe to eat? Let’s tackle the definition first. There’s no legal definition of “ultra-processed food”. Food processors use the NOVA classification system developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

This system has four groups. Group 1 is unprocessed, minimally processed food including fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, nuts, plain yogurt, and some spices. Group 4, ultra-processed food includes ice cream, sugary drinks, instant noodles, hot dogs, potato chips, energy bars, baby formula, and much more.

Public health officials and the media often equate ultra-processed food to “junk food”. That’s not always the case. Listen next week to learn more.

Thanks for listening, I’m Susie Craig.

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Resources:

Monteiro, Carlos Augusto. G. Cannon, M. Lawrence, C., M.L. Costa Louzada, and P. Machado. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Ultra-processed foods, diet quality, and health using the NOVA classification system. Rome, 2019. Accessed online 1/15/25. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/5277b379-0acb-4d97-a6a3-602774104629/content.