Public debate around processed and so-called “ultra-processed foods” (UPFs) has intensified in recent years, often creating confusion and oversimplifying the role that food processing plays in supporting health, safety and physical performance.
For athletes and physically active individuals, specialised sports nutrition products can play an important role in helping meet nutritional requirements that may be difficult to achieve through conventional foods alone.
To help bring greater clarity to the discussion, ESSNA has developed a new myth-busting infographic explaining the nutritional needs of active individuals, the role of sports nutrition products, and key facts about food processing and ultra-processed foods. In parallel, ESSNA has published a position paper in response to the European Commission’s ongoing work assessing the risks and benefits associated with food processing.
The position paper addresses common misconceptions about food processing and underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking that takes into account the specific nutritional needs of athletes and active consumers.
ESSNA supports policy approaches that assess foods based on their nutritional quality, intended function and the available scientific evidence, rather than on the degree of processing alone.
Author: laura.contin
ESSNA Secretariat