GLOBAL – A major scientific review published on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in the esteemed medical journal The Lancet has identified ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as a primary driver of the global pandemic of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The series, compiled by 43 international experts, concludes that diets high in these industrial formulations are linked to a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression. This poses a significant challenge for nations like Kenya, which are experiencing a rapid nutrition transition.

The report highlights that high-income countries such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom have some of the highest consumption rates, with UPFs constituting over half of the daily caloric intake for the average person. In Australia, these foods account for nearly half of the average diet, a situation experts attribute to a lag in national nutrition policy. For some demographics in the UK and US, particularly younger and lower-income groups, UPFs can make up as much as 80% of their diet.

Defining the Danger

Ultra-processed foods are not merely processed for preservation, like canned goods or fermented products. They are industrial formulations made from substances extracted from foods or synthesized in labs, often containing additives like colours, flavours, and emulsifiers. Common examples include packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles, mass-produced breads, and ready-to-eat meals. These products are engineered for hyper-palatability, convenience, and long shelf life, which drives their widespread consumption.

The comprehensive review, which analyzed 104 long-term studies, found that 92 of them reported significant associations between high UPF consumption and an increased risk of chronic illness. Diets rich in UPFs are linked to overeating, poor nutritional quality, and exposure to potentially harmful additives. Professor Carlos Monteiro of the University of São Paulo, a lead author, stated that the evidence strongly suggests humans are not biologically adapted to consume these foods.

The Kenyan Context: A Looming Crisis

While specific, comprehensive data on UPF consumption across Kenya remains limited, emerging evidence points to a worrying trend. Rapid urbanization and the expansion of supermarkets are transforming food environments, increasing the availability and marketing of UPFs in both urban and rural areas. One study in Nairobi's urban slums found that UPFs already contribute to 25.2% of daily energy intake among adolescents, linking this consumption to poor diet quality.

This dietary shift coincides with a rising burden of NCDs in Kenya. According to the Ministry of Health, NCDs account for 39% of all deaths in the country and over half of all hospital admissions. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are on the rise, driven in part by the increased consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats—hallmarks of ultra-processing. A recent analysis noted that the intake of processed foods and meals away from home is increasing in both urban and rural Kenya.

Policy Response and Public Health Imperative

In response to this growing health threat, the Kenyan government has begun to take action. The Ministry of Health recently published the Kenya Nutrient Profile Model (KNPM), a scientific framework to identify and classify unhealthy foods high in sugar, salt, and fats. This model is intended to underpin future policies, including front-of-pack warning labels, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children, and potential fiscal measures like taxes on sugary drinks. These initiatives align with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which is developing global guidelines on UPF consumption.

Experts in the Lancet series argue that tackling the UPF crisis requires a robust, coordinated public health response similar to the decades-long campaign against tobacco. They caution that the powerful influence of the global food industry presents a significant barrier to effective regulation. For Kenya, addressing the dual challenges of food insecurity and the rising tide of diet-related NCDs will require a multi-faceted strategy. This includes strengthening local food systems, promoting nutrition education, and implementing strong, evidence-based policies to create a healthier food environment for all citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010 which guarantees the right to adequate food of acceptable quality.