News in Brief:
– Global surge in unhealthy ultra-processed foods prompts concerns about detrimental health effects and strains on local farmers.
– Strategies such as nutrition-targeted taxes and international collaboration are proposed to combat the trend and address food security challenges.
The prevalence and affordability of unhealthy ultra-processed foods like instant noodles and sodas are on the rise globally. This surge is concerning, as overconsumption of such foods leads to detrimental health outcomes. Even in countries grappling with undernutrition and obesity-related diseases, the consumption of these foods continues to increase, according to a World Bank report.
Local farmers are significantly affected by this trend, as the dominance of unhealthy foods in the market can undermine efforts to promote locally grown, nutritious alternatives. Moreover, the health consequences of overconsumption place additional strain on healthcare systems, potentially affecting agricultural labor productivity due to health-related issues among workers.
Taxing unhealthy foods
To address this challenge, nutrition-targeted taxes have been proposed as an effective fiscal tool. By discouraging the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages while encouraging the adoption of healthier alternatives, these taxes aim to support healthier diets and improve population health. Importantly, they can also generate additional tax revenue.
For example, in Yemen, the latest Joint Monitoring Report reveals concerning trends in food and nutrition security. Approximately 2.5 million people in certain areas are at risk of facing Emergency or worse conditions, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Factors such as drought, displacement, and conflict risk exacerbate the situation, posing complex challenges for the region.
Stakeholders in the food and nutrition security sector recently convened in Rome to strengthen collaboration efforts. Recognising the need to leverage partnerships beyond traditional approaches, participants emphasised the importance of engaging with various stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, and multilateral organisations.
The global food crisis has been compounded by trade-related policies implemented by countries, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events. Export bans and restrictions on food and fertiliser trade have further strained food supply chains, contributing to domestic food price inflation in many countries.
