by Amy DeLisio MPH, RDN, CEO of Dairy Council of California
As concerns about chronic disease and children’s health grow, interest in “Food as Health” is increasing as a preventative strategy. "Food as Health" emphasizes the connection between what people eat and how those choices impact long-term health and overall well-being. Amid this environment, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have also drawn attention, often becoming an easy target for criticism.
Consumers may use the term “ultra-processed” to describe foods they believe contain unnecessary ingredients or lack nutritional value. However, processing encompasses a wide range of techniques serving many beneficial purposes including pasteurization, fermentation, and methods that extend shelf life, improve food safety, support distribution, and increase nutritional value.
Read the full Dairy Foods article here.
