Applying the Nova food classification to food product databases using discriminative ingredients: a methodological proposal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Growing interest in the Nova food classification system surged among various stakeholders, driven primarily by compelling evidence linking the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to negative health outcomes. This growing interest underscores the potential value of identifying clear markers to classify UPFs, particularly to support research and regulatory efforts.

Objective

To propose replicable methods to identify UPFs, by testing the sensitivity and specificity of these methods using a large sample of packaged foods from the 2017 Brazilian Food Labels Database.

Methods

We created five scenarios to identify UPFs using substances of rare culinary use and food additives typically found in UPFs and compared them with the Nova food classification proces

SUBMITTER: Fagundes Grilo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12259438 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature