Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) welcomes rigorous global research on nutrition and public health. The new Lancet Series on ultra-processed foods has elevated an important conversation about how people eat, how food systems operate, and how governments can continue supporting healthier outcomes for all Canadians.
However, the Series adopts a definition and framing of “ultra-processed foods” that risk oversimplifying a complex issue and confusing consumers. Grouping thousands of products together based solely on the extent of processing rather than nutritional composition overlooks decades of evidence on what truly matters for health. Diet quality, nutrient density, and overall patterns of eating are the factors consistently supported by science.
It is important to recognize that processing itself is not the problem and is not a reliable stand-in for nutritional value. Processing enables food safety, affordability, shelf-life stability, reduced food waste, and access to essential nutrients across Canada’s geography. Many foods Canadians rely on every day, including whole-grain bread, yogurt, cheese, and infant formula, are technically processed. This reality must be part of any policy conversation.
Canadian manufacturers continue to evolve in response to consumer expectations and new evidence. Companies are reducing sodium, sugars, and saturated fat, improving portion guidance, investing in food literacy, and reformulating products without compromising safety or affordability. These actions are grounded in well-established nutrient science and supported by Canada’s regulatory framework, including front-of-package nutrition labels coming into effect in 2026.
Improving public health requires collaboration, not polarization. FHCP supports policies that help Canadians make informed choices and improve access to affordable, nutritious foods, including fresh and minimally processed options. We also support continued research into dietary patterns and health outcomes, provided it is communicated in a balanced, transparent, and science-aligned manner.
Canadians deserve clarity, not confusion. A strong policy foundation should remain focused on established risk factors, avoid stigmatizing broad categories of foods, and reinforce the shared goal we all hold: a healthier population supported by a safe, innovative, and resilient food system.