Ultra-Processed Foods Should Face Tobacco-Style Rules, Researchers Say

Researchers argue ultra-processed foods should be regulated like cigarettes due to addiction risks and health harms.
A study from Harvard, the University of Michigan, and Duke University found strong parallels with tobacco.
They say UPFs are engineered to drive cravings and overconsumption through reward pathways.
Marketing claims such as “low fat” were compared to historic cigarette healthwashing.
The authors urged stricter regulation, shifting responsibility from consumers to food manufacturers.
Some experts warned comparisons risk overreach but agreed stronger action is needed.