New 'heart disease and deaths' alert for ultra-processed foods

A new analysis has been published10:48, 16 Jul 2026Ultra-processed foods could be behind around a quarter of heart disease cases and deaths, according to new research. The analysis, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and presented at the International Congress on Obesity in Mexico, suggests thousands of deaths linked to cardiovascular disease could potentially be avoided if people cut back on ultra-processed foods (UPFs).UPFs are widely eaten in the UK and include items such as ice cream, processed meats, crisps, mass-produced bread, some breakfast cereals, biscuits, many ready meals and fizzy drinks. They often contain additives and ingredients not typically used in home cooking, including preservatives, emulsifiers and artificial colours or flavours.Researchers said