Foodwatch escalates push for mandatory ultra-processed food labeling
Foodwatch demands mandatory ultra-processed food labeling in France based on documented health risks.
Event / Health
France Ultra-Processed Food Labeling
Foodwatch investigation reveals major French supermarket brands market high-protein products as healthy while containing industrial ultra-processing additives. Organization launches petition with Yuka and France Assos Santé calling for mandatory front-of-package labeling combining ultra-processing designation with Nutri-Score, garnering over 181,000 signatures.
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2026-09-22 to 2026-11-03 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 22 Sept, 14:58 UTC
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What happened
High-protein marketing masks ultra-processed nature of products through halo effect
Foodwatch explains that marketing emphasizing high protein content serves as a smokescreen for the ultra-processed nature of these products. The strategy relies on a halo effect where consumers associate protein with health benefits and form improved overall judgments about the product, diverting attention from its true composition. Industrial manufacturers exploit the shortcut equation that protein equals health without disclosing the presence of multiple harmful additives and ultra-processing markers.
Recommended daily protein intake achievable through balanced diet without supplements
According to INSERM, the recommended daily allowance for protein is 0.8 to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per day for people over 19 years old. This translates to approximately 60 to 75 grams daily for a 75-kilogram person. This recommended intake can generally be achieved easily through varied and balanced eating without resorting to specially protein-enriched products.
Foodwatch alerts on high-protein processed foods containing harmful additives
Foodwatch published an alert on September 21, 2026 identifying ten high-protein products commonly found in supermarket shelves that are actually ultra-processed foods. These products include protein bars, complete salads, beverages, breakfast cereals, compotes, spreads, and yogurts. Despite marketing claims about protein content, analysis found they contain markers of ultra-processing such as modified starches, gellane gum, glucose syrup, and controversial additives including carrageenan and intense sweeteners like acesulfame-K. The products were found to contain isolated and textured proteins added industrially, qualifying them as ultra-processed under the NOVA classification system.
Specific ultra-processed high-protein products identified with harmful ingredients
Foodwatch's investigation identified specific products with ultra-processing markers: Nature Valley protein bars contain isolated soy protein, oligofructose, glucose syrup, fructose, maltodextrin, soy lecithin emulsifier, glycerol humectant, and palm oil; Nestlé Lion Protein cereals have high sugar content at 23g per 100g; Wasa Protein+ crackers have doubled prices due to gluten addition; Danone's Hipro blueberry beverage contains thickeners and intense sweeteners (acesulfame-K, sucralose); Lactel chocolate dairy beverages and Alpro soy beverages contain gellane gum; Carrefour's penne and chicken salad contains dextrose, modified potato starch, and potassium disulfite linked to increased cancer and type 2 diabetes risks; Andros Sport Whey & fruits pouches contain stevia glycosides.
Foodwatch demands mandatory labeling for ultra-processed foods
Foodwatch, in partnership with Yuka and France Assos Santé, launched a petition demanding mandatory labeling of ultra-processed foods on the front of packaging, combined with the Nutri-Score system. The petition calls for concrete measures to regulate ultra-processed foods. As of the reporting date, approximately 181,000 citizens had signed the petition supporting this regulatory measure.
Research documents health risks associated with ultra-processed foods
Multiple recent studies have identified significant health risks from ultra-processed food consumption, including type 2 diabetes, various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, weight gain, obesity, and depression. These research findings have mobilized numerous scientists to seek responses from health authorities to address what is characterized as a major public health threat.
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2 alternative perspectives
Protein-labeled processed foods harbor harmful additives, Foodwatch warns
High-protein branding masks harmful additives in French ultra-processed foods, Foodwatch finds.