Ultra-Processed Foods: French MPs Tackle the Issue

France is tackling ultra-processed foods with two proposed laws, as Health Minister Stéphanie Rist recently unveiled an obesity plan. The release of the 2025-2030 National Nutrition Health Program (PNNS) and the National Food, Nutrition and Climate Strategy is also delayed.

“Numerous studies now establish a link between the consumption of these products and the development of preventable diseases,” argues one proposed law, submitted January 13, 2026, by Loïc Prud’homme, a member of parliament from Gironde, and primarily signed by left-wing politicians. “In November 2025, the conclusions of 43 international experts, based on 104 prospective epidemiological studies published in the medical journal The Lancet, highlight the link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the development of cardiovascular, respiratory diseases, cancers, but also depressive symptoms or decreased fertility, weight gain, and an increased risk of premature mortality from all causes,” reads the statement of reasons.

There’s no consensus on the definition of ultra-processed foods, but the proposals aim to address their growing impact on public health.The debate centers on how best to regulate these products and inform consumers.