Over 100 packaged food products have been recalled due to concerns about listeria contamination, prompting a widespread response to address the outbreak and ensure consumer safety.
Nutritionists advise avoiding certain ingredients commonly found in packaged foods, including emulsifiers like carrageenan and guar gum, which can negatively impact gut health and promote inflammation; high-fructose corn syrup, which can contribute to digestive issues and inflammatory bowel diseases; partially hydrogenated oils and trans fats, linked to heart disease and inflammation; potassium chloride, which can cause heart arrhythmias in large quantities; and saturated fats, found in meats, dairy products, and palm oil, which can elevate bad cholesterol and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, it's important to be mindful of sodium levels in processed foods, as excessive sodium intake can raise blood pressure and pose risks for those with hypertension or kidney disease.
A new study published in the journal PLOS One found that packaged foods marketed to children are higher in sugar and lower in all other nutrients. The study analyzed nearly 6,000 packaged foods and their marketing strategies aimed at children. The problem is global, and governments need to regulate companies' ability to target children directly when marketing products that can harm their health. Parents can make changes at home by cooking more and talking to kids about how companies use marketing and how it might influence their choices.