The ultra-processed foods paradox: When classification overlooks nutritional complexity

There are some systems like NOVA and SIGA that categorise foods into groups with different levels of processing where one such group includes ultra-processed foods (UPF). Here, we want to express several concerns with these systems emphasising NOVA as most of the research focuses on it. NOVA, developed by Monteiro et al at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, is a food system categorising foods into 4 groups based on extent of processing: (1) unprocessed foods, (2) processed culinary ingredients, (3) processed foods and (4) UPF (1,2) . This system has gained widespread attention from nutritionists, the media and consumers. Although some studies have shown sleep disturbances, increased inflammatory markers, all-cause mortality and umbrella reviews have shown an association between high UPF consumption with increased risk of a variety of chronic conditions such as obesity, type