The World Health Organization (WHO) is under pressure to revise the composition of its Guideline Development Group (GDG) tasked with creating dietary advice on "Ultra-Processed Foods" (UPFs). A formal submission to the WHO Selection Committee outlines significant concerns regarding expertise, intellectual bias, and potential harm to global nutrition efforts.
The letter raises alarm over the absence of qualified food science and technology experts on the panel, arguing these disciplines are crucial for understanding processing and food systems. It also highlights an intellectual conflict of interest, noting that many GDG members are public advocates of the NOVA classification system, suggesting a lack of diverse, objective perspectives.
Crucially, critics warn that using classifications like NOVA risks "vilifying" essential foods—such as fortified and shelf-stable products used in humanitarian aid and malnutrition treatment—potentially jeopardizing nutrition access for over a billion vulnerable people.
The request asks WHO to rebalance the GDG with scientific diversity and to clarify food definitions before drafting guidance.
The full document detailing the concerns and requests is available for download here.
