Ecological regulation for healthy and sustainable food systems: responding to the global rise of ultra-processed foods

Tanita Northcott (), Mark Lawrence (), Christine Parker () and Phillip Baker ()
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Tanita Northcott: Deakin University
Mark Lawrence: Deakin University
Christine Parker: The University of Melbourne
Phillip Baker: Deakin University

Agriculture and Human Values, 2023, vol. 40, issue 3, No 36, 1333-1358

Abstract: Abstract Many are calling for transformative food systems changes to promote population and planetary health. Yet there is a lack of research that considers whether current food policy frameworks and regulatory approaches are suited to tackle whole of food systems challenges. One such challenge is responding to the rise of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in human diets, and the related harms to population and planetary health. This paper presents a narrative review and synthesis of academic articles and international reports to critically examine whether current food policy frameworks and regulatory approaches are sufficiently equipped to drive the transformative food systems changes needed to halt the rise of UPFs, reduce consumption and minimise harm. We draw on systems science approaches to conceptualise the UPF problem as an emergent property of complex adaptive food systems shaped by capitalist values and logics. Our findings reveal that current food policy frameworks often adjust or reform isolated aspects of food systems (e.g., prices, labels, food composition), but under-emphasise the deeper paradigms, goals and structures that underlie the rise of UPFs as a systems phenomenon, and its socio-ecological implications. We propose that a ‘leverage points’ framework illuminates where to intervene in food systems to generate multi-level changes, while the theory of ecological regulation highlights how to respond to complex multi-factorial problems, like the rise of UPFs, in diverse ways that respect planetary boundaries. More research is needed to better understand the transformative potential of ecological regulation to advance food systems transformation and attenuate whole of food systems challenges.

Keywords: Ultra-processed foods; Food systems; Complex adaptive systems; Leverage points; Food policy; Food regulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10460-022-10412-4

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