Terminology can be modified over the years and being aware of these modifications is part of the dissemination of information from AIM to Members and Customers. For example, there have been many variations of the word “processed” when it comes to food and food products.
References：
¹ bit.ly/NOVA2009
² doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2024.100713
³ doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.2088
⁴ doi.org/10.1177%2F15598276221075992
Back in 2009, the NOVA classification put edible foods into four groups:
- Unprocessed or minimally processed foods
- Processed culinary ingredients
- Processed foods
- Ultra-processed foods¹
In March 2024, The Lancet Regional Health published an article focusing on the extensive number of packaged foods and beverages in the US, using elements of the NOVA classification system to identify ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and foods high in saturated fat, salt and sugar (HFSS). The idea was to provide policymakers with a simple and accurate way to identify less healthy food and beverage products.²Identifying unhealthy foods is vital for each of us to avoid the proven health consequences of consuming ultra-processed foods and beverages and fat-, salt- and sugar-rich foods. Fast foods fall into the ultra-processed category. Globally, the modern food supply has exposed people to exceptionally poor nutrition linked to a significant variety of chronic conditions.³Just to be clear, ultra-processed foods contain many ingredients and additives that make ready-to-eat meals, snacks and sugary beverages addictively appealing. The trick is to be addicted to ultra-nutritious whole foods that are unprocessed or minimally processed, especially those that are plant-based. These forms of food offer the healthiest choices that have proven to promote good health.⁴
The AIM Companies 