Food additives in Latin America: a descriptive analysis of the packaged food supply in five countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Latin America is distinguished by diverse regulatory frameworks and evolving dietary patterns, including the weakening of traditional diets and the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Predominantly produced by transnational corporations, UPFs rely heavily on food additives to achieve desirable sensory properties (e.g., flavor, color), ensure food safety, and extend shelf life. ​Over the past decade, research has increasingly shown that higher consumption of UPFs is associated with poor health outcomes, and food additives have emerged as a potential mechanism underlying this association. However, few studies have systematically analyzed the presence of food additives in the food supply. This study aimed to assess the distribution and patterns of food a

SUBMITTER: Zancheta C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12581231 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature