Global Food Research Program at UNC-Chapel Hill
@gfrp-unc.bsky.social
Through collaborative research with partners worldwide, we work to reduce diet-related disparities and create a more healthful food system and environment. https://www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org
📣 Job alert! We're looking for a research project manager to work on food policy issues ranging in the US and globally. If you’re detail-oriented, love project management, and have a heart for creating better food systems, please learn more and apply here: unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/309...
November 21, 2025 at 5:42 PM
📣 Job alert! We're looking for a research project manager to work on food policy issues ranging in the US and globally. If you’re detail-oriented, love project management, and have a heart for creating better food systems, please learn more and apply here: unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/309...
Ultra-processed foods — what’s the impact?
In a new @thelancet.com Series coauthored by Barry Popkin, experts warn a global rise in UPFs presents a growing public health threat.
Read more about the evidence and policy recommendations ➡️ tinyurl.com/ya2wutpd
#UPFAction #GlobalHealth
In a new @thelancet.com Series coauthored by Barry Popkin, experts warn a global rise in UPFs presents a growing public health threat.
Read more about the evidence and policy recommendations ➡️ tinyurl.com/ya2wutpd
#UPFAction #GlobalHealth
Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health
This 3-paper Series reviews the evidence about the increase in ultra-processed foods in diets globally and highlights the association with many non-communicable diseases. This rise in ultra-processed ...
tinyurl.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Ultra-processed foods — what’s the impact?
In a new @thelancet.com Series coauthored by Barry Popkin, experts warn a global rise in UPFs presents a growing public health threat.
Read more about the evidence and policy recommendations ➡️ tinyurl.com/ya2wutpd
#UPFAction #GlobalHealth
In a new @thelancet.com Series coauthored by Barry Popkin, experts warn a global rise in UPFs presents a growing public health threat.
Read more about the evidence and policy recommendations ➡️ tinyurl.com/ya2wutpd
#UPFAction #GlobalHealth
There's still time to register for tomorrow's global launch of a landmark three-paper Lancet Series exploring how ultra-processed foods came to dominate what the world eats — and what we can do about it!
Register at the link below. Launch is Wed. Nov. 19, 1:30–3:45 pm EST
#UPFs #ultraprocessedfoods
Register at the link below. Launch is Wed. Nov. 19, 1:30–3:45 pm EST
#UPFs #ultraprocessedfoods
Ultra-processed foods are reshaping global diets, health, & the planet.
Join us for the global launch of a new Series on UPFs & Human Health on 19 Nov. 🌍
Experts will unpack the science, policy, & politics of #UPFs.
Register to attend 👉 tinyurl.com/3h2t5mr4
Join us for the global launch of a new Series on UPFs & Human Health on 19 Nov. 🌍
Experts will unpack the science, policy, & politics of #UPFs.
Register to attend 👉 tinyurl.com/3h2t5mr4
November 18, 2025 at 3:31 PM
There's still time to register for tomorrow's global launch of a landmark three-paper Lancet Series exploring how ultra-processed foods came to dominate what the world eats — and what we can do about it!
Register at the link below. Launch is Wed. Nov. 19, 1:30–3:45 pm EST
#UPFs #ultraprocessedfoods
Register at the link below. Launch is Wed. Nov. 19, 1:30–3:45 pm EST
#UPFs #ultraprocessedfoods
How did ultra-processed foods come to dominate what the world eats, and what can we do about it?
🌍 Join the global launch of the @thelancet.com Series on UPFs & Human Health where experts will unpack the science, policy & politics.
🔗 Register: www.fsp.usp.br/nupens/launc...
🌍 Join the global launch of the @thelancet.com Series on UPFs & Human Health where experts will unpack the science, policy & politics.
🔗 Register: www.fsp.usp.br/nupens/launc...
Launch of the Lancet Series on Ultra-processed Foods and Human Health | Nupens
Núcleo de Pesquisas Epidemiológicas em Nutrição e Saúde
www.fsp.usp.br
October 24, 2025 at 4:43 PM
How did ultra-processed foods come to dominate what the world eats, and what can we do about it?
🌍 Join the global launch of the @thelancet.com Series on UPFs & Human Health where experts will unpack the science, policy & politics.
🔗 Register: www.fsp.usp.br/nupens/launc...
🌍 Join the global launch of the @thelancet.com Series on UPFs & Human Health where experts will unpack the science, policy & politics.
🔗 Register: www.fsp.usp.br/nupens/launc...
A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition by Sara Vandersip, @lindseytaillie.bsky.social , @annagrummon.bsky.social, @cprestemon.bsky.social, and Alexandria Reimold found that a quarter of adults waste at least 30% of their food:
cdn.nutrition.org/article/S247...
cdn.nutrition.org/article/S247...
Food Waste among Young Adults: Behaviors, Barriers, and Opportunities for Intervention
Reducing food waste is critical for protecting planetary and human health. Given that
young adulthood is often a formative period for learning food management skills, young
adults are a key demographi...
cdn.nutrition.org
October 22, 2025 at 7:43 PM
A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition by Sara Vandersip, @lindseytaillie.bsky.social , @annagrummon.bsky.social, @cprestemon.bsky.social, and Alexandria Reimold found that a quarter of adults waste at least 30% of their food:
cdn.nutrition.org/article/S247...
cdn.nutrition.org/article/S247...
@lindseytaillie.bsky.social recently joined global leaders at the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum in New York City to discuss global obesity policy. The forum brought together experts from various sectors to collaborate on the world’s most pressing challenges 🌍
October 17, 2025 at 2:45 PM
@lindseytaillie.bsky.social recently joined global leaders at the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum in New York City to discuss global obesity policy. The forum brought together experts from various sectors to collaborate on the world’s most pressing challenges 🌍
Ready to take the next step in your research career? 📚🌍 Learn, collaborate, and drive change in food systems and policy.
📅Note: The webinar date has changed!
Join us for an interactive session, now on Thursday, November 13, 2025: unc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Details in the flyer ⬇️
📅Note: The webinar date has changed!
Join us for an interactive session, now on Thursday, November 13, 2025: unc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Details in the flyer ⬇️
October 15, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Ready to take the next step in your research career? 📚🌍 Learn, collaborate, and drive change in food systems and policy.
📅Note: The webinar date has changed!
Join us for an interactive session, now on Thursday, November 13, 2025: unc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Details in the flyer ⬇️
📅Note: The webinar date has changed!
Join us for an interactive session, now on Thursday, November 13, 2025: unc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Details in the flyer ⬇️
Ready to take the next step in your research career? 📚🌍 Learn, collaborate, and drive change in food systems and policy. @uncpublichealth.bsky.social
Join us for an interactive webinar on Thursday, November 6, 2025: unc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join us for an interactive webinar on Thursday, November 6, 2025: unc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
August 28, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Ready to take the next step in your research career? 📚🌍 Learn, collaborate, and drive change in food systems and policy. @uncpublichealth.bsky.social
Join us for an interactive webinar on Thursday, November 6, 2025: unc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Join us for an interactive webinar on Thursday, November 6, 2025: unc.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Student Spotlight: Meet Cristina Lee, MPH — Our new doctoral student joining the GFRP team this fall under the advisorship of Shu Wen Ng. Cristina is excited to advance research that informs equitable food policies & supports healthier communities. @uncpublichealth.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/2nu8cb7w
tinyurl.com/2nu8cb7w
August 26, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Student Spotlight: Meet Cristina Lee, MPH — Our new doctoral student joining the GFRP team this fall under the advisorship of Shu Wen Ng. Cristina is excited to advance research that informs equitable food policies & supports healthier communities. @uncpublichealth.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/2nu8cb7w
tinyurl.com/2nu8cb7w
Congratulations to Marissa Hall, 2025 recipient of the Hettleman Prize! This is awarded to 5 UNC faculty exemplifying innovative research & future career promise. Marissa's work focuses on how front-of-package labeling, marketing, and availability shape consumer choices. Read more: go.unc.edu/w4TXr
June 13, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Congratulations to Marissa Hall, 2025 recipient of the Hettleman Prize! This is awarded to 5 UNC faculty exemplifying innovative research & future career promise. Marissa's work focuses on how front-of-package labeling, marketing, and availability shape consumer choices. Read more: go.unc.edu/w4TXr
UNC Research is improving access to fruits and vegetables.
Shu Wen Ng & colleagues study how produce prescription programs make fruits & vegetables more accessible for low-income NC households. Read more here: go.unc.edu/d3F7N
Learn about UNC's research impact: go.unc.edu/Kn53X
#UNCResearchisNC
Shu Wen Ng & colleagues study how produce prescription programs make fruits & vegetables more accessible for low-income NC households. Read more here: go.unc.edu/d3F7N
Learn about UNC's research impact: go.unc.edu/Kn53X
#UNCResearchisNC
May 23, 2025 at 7:32 PM
UNC Research is improving access to fruits and vegetables.
Shu Wen Ng & colleagues study how produce prescription programs make fruits & vegetables more accessible for low-income NC households. Read more here: go.unc.edu/d3F7N
Learn about UNC's research impact: go.unc.edu/Kn53X
#UNCResearchisNC
Shu Wen Ng & colleagues study how produce prescription programs make fruits & vegetables more accessible for low-income NC households. Read more here: go.unc.edu/d3F7N
Learn about UNC's research impact: go.unc.edu/Kn53X
#UNCResearchisNC
New study finds that 48% of foods & 38% of drinks purchased by US households in 2020 were ultra-processed. Categories with the highest proportion: carbonated soft drinks (90% of purchases were ultra-processed), mixed dishes & soups (81%) and sweets & snacks (71%).
Read more here: go.unc.edu/k4JPt
Read more here: go.unc.edu/k4JPt
April 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
New study finds that 48% of foods & 38% of drinks purchased by US households in 2020 were ultra-processed. Categories with the highest proportion: carbonated soft drinks (90% of purchases were ultra-processed), mixed dishes & soups (81%) and sweets & snacks (71%).
Read more here: go.unc.edu/k4JPt
Read more here: go.unc.edu/k4JPt
New(ish) year, new taxes! We’ve updated our global sweetened beverage and food tax maps with 7 newly implemented or planned taxes in Slovakia, Brazil, Indonesia, Italy, Mongolia, Barbados, and Santa Cruz, CA. Learn more: www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/resource/tax...
Food and beverage taxes - Global Food Research Program
Global maps showing countries and smaller jurisdictions with taxes on sugary or sweetened beverages and/or foods high in nutrients or ingredients of health concern. The taxes included here aim to curb...
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org
March 27, 2025 at 8:48 PM
New(ish) year, new taxes! We’ve updated our global sweetened beverage and food tax maps with 7 newly implemented or planned taxes in Slovakia, Brazil, Indonesia, Italy, Mongolia, Barbados, and Santa Cruz, CA. Learn more: www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/resource/tax...
New study examines the impact of Mexico’s front-of-package warning-label policy on the reformulation of packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages. Findings revealed significant reductions in warning labels & the energy & critical nutrient content of the products. journals.plos.org/plosmedicine...
Product reformulation in non-alcoholic beverages and foods after the implementation of front-of-pack warning labels in Mexico
Juan Carlos Salgado and colleagues assess changes in the content of calories and critical nutrients in packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages in Mexico associated with the implementation of front-...
journals.plos.org
March 20, 2025 at 9:02 PM
New study examines the impact of Mexico’s front-of-package warning-label policy on the reformulation of packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages. Findings revealed significant reductions in warning labels & the energy & critical nutrient content of the products. journals.plos.org/plosmedicine...
Freshly updated: fact sheet on school food environment policies! Includes info. on 5 key school nutrition policy interventions, real-world examples & industry tactics that undermine school nutrition policies. go.unc.edu/Db25R
#SchoolFood #SchoolMeals #SchoolNutrition #CompetitiveFoods #FoodMarketing
#SchoolFood #SchoolMeals #SchoolNutrition #CompetitiveFoods #FoodMarketing
School food environments - Global Food Research Program
This fact sheet describes the impact of unhealthy school food environments on childhood obesity and wellness. Learn about policies that can improve the school food environment, including setting nutri...
go.unc.edu
March 14, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Freshly updated: fact sheet on school food environment policies! Includes info. on 5 key school nutrition policy interventions, real-world examples & industry tactics that undermine school nutrition policies. go.unc.edu/Db25R
#SchoolFood #SchoolMeals #SchoolNutrition #CompetitiveFoods #FoodMarketing
#SchoolFood #SchoolMeals #SchoolNutrition #CompetitiveFoods #FoodMarketing
Comment by Barry Popkin, @shuwenng.bsky.social, & @lindseytaillie.bsky.social in @naturefood.bsky.social on how ultra-processed products exploit our biology & lead to increased disease + environmental harm, accelerating most rapidly in low- and middle-income countries.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
The mismatch between biological needs and the modern food industry - Nature Food
The food industry has created ultra-processed food-like products that disrupt nature’s biological matrix and exploit our innate preferences for sugar, salt and fat — with the goal of encouraging overc...
www.nature.com
March 10, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Comment by Barry Popkin, @shuwenng.bsky.social, & @lindseytaillie.bsky.social in @naturefood.bsky.social on how ultra-processed products exploit our biology & lead to increased disease + environmental harm, accelerating most rapidly in low- and middle-income countries.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
How did ultra-processed foods capture the baby and toddler market? @lindseytaillie.bsky.social quoted in @statnews.com on sugar-laden toddler milks, snack foods, issues of food prep time and affordability, and policy solutions: click.mc.unc.edu?qs=1300c1912...
How ultra-processed foods captured the baby and toddler market
Experts are calling for more focus on how ultra-processed foods are marketed to the smallest and most vulnerable Americans
click.mc.unc.edu
February 27, 2025 at 6:14 PM
How did ultra-processed foods capture the baby and toddler market? @lindseytaillie.bsky.social quoted in @statnews.com on sugar-laden toddler milks, snack foods, issues of food prep time and affordability, and policy solutions: click.mc.unc.edu?qs=1300c1912...
The kids are not alright: New paper from Barry Popkin & @alaar.bsky.social outlines an urgent need for policies to address rapid global increases in ultra-processed food intake among infants and toddlers & the concurrent rise in overweight/obesity. Read here: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Nutrition transition's latest stage: Are ultra‐processed food increases in low‐ and middle‐income countries dooming our preschoolers' diets and future health?
Introduction Rapid shifts in dietary patterns, marked by increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), are increasingly impacting the health and wellbeing of infants and toddlers in low- an...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
February 27, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The kids are not alright: New paper from Barry Popkin & @alaar.bsky.social outlines an urgent need for policies to address rapid global increases in ultra-processed food intake among infants and toddlers & the concurrent rise in overweight/obesity. Read here: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
New study by @natirebolledo.bsky.social et al. evaluates product reformulation after 3 phases of Chile's front-of-package label law, finds % of foods requiring nutrient warning labels dropped from 71% before the law to 53% once fully implemented.
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/nutrient-war...
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/nutrient-war...
Nutrient warning labels yield healthier food supply for Chile - Global Food Research Program
Chilean food supply sees substantial decreases in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat after front-of-package warning labels required on “high in” foods and drinks A new study published this week in BMC M...
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org
January 31, 2025 at 7:02 PM
New study by @natirebolledo.bsky.social et al. evaluates product reformulation after 3 phases of Chile's front-of-package label law, finds % of foods requiring nutrient warning labels dropped from 71% before the law to 53% once fully implemented.
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/nutrient-war...
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/nutrient-war...
Only one week left for undergraduate students to apply for FERN 2025! The application for summer 2025 fellowships closes Sunday, February 2 at 11:55 p.m. ET.
Apply now for FERN 2025! The Fellowship for Exploring Research in Nutrition (FERN) is a 9-week paid summer fellowship for rising 3rd- or 4th-year undergrads interested in food/nutrition policy research. No previous research experience required!
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/home/idea/fe...
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/home/idea/fe...
FERN: Fellowship for Exploring Research in Nutrition - Global Food Research Program
Mission The Fellowship for Exploring Research in Nutrition (FERN) aims to strengthen the future nutrition research workforce in the United States by enabling and encouraging broader participation by a...
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org
January 26, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Only one week left for undergraduate students to apply for FERN 2025! The application for summer 2025 fellowships closes Sunday, February 2 at 11:55 p.m. ET.
A new article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association explores the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods & their impact on oral health. UPFs have been linked to an increase in dental caries & to disrupting jaw muscle development.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Beyond sugar-sweetened beverages: Tackling oral health risks of ultraprocessed foods
www.sciencedirect.com
January 14, 2025 at 8:11 PM
A new article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association explores the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods & their impact on oral health. UPFs have been linked to an increase in dental caries & to disrupting jaw muscle development.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Check out our freshly updated front-of-package labeling policy fact sheet! Includes info. on why labels are needed, evidence for different label types, and key considerations for developing and implementing an effective FOP labeling policy. #FOPL
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/resource/fop...
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/resource/fop...
Front-of-package labeling - Global Food Research Program
This fact sheet describes how front-of-package labels can help consumers make informed, healthier choices and encourage industry to improve the nutritional profile of their products and portfolios. Le...
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org
January 14, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Check out our freshly updated front-of-package labeling policy fact sheet! Includes info. on why labels are needed, evidence for different label types, and key considerations for developing and implementing an effective FOP labeling policy. #FOPL
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/resource/fop...
www.globalfoodresearchprogram.org/resource/fop...
Red dye, seed oils, and corn syrup, oh my!
Catch @lindseytaillie.bsky.social at the Carolina Science Cafe at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on Tues. Jan. 7, 6–7pm. She'll discuss the science behind recent flashy nutrition headlines & more. Plus, free food! moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/car...
Catch @lindseytaillie.bsky.social at the Carolina Science Cafe at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on Tues. Jan. 7, 6–7pm. She'll discuss the science behind recent flashy nutrition headlines & more. Plus, free food! moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/car...
January 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Red dye, seed oils, and corn syrup, oh my!
Catch @lindseytaillie.bsky.social at the Carolina Science Cafe at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on Tues. Jan. 7, 6–7pm. She'll discuss the science behind recent flashy nutrition headlines & more. Plus, free food! moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/car...
Catch @lindseytaillie.bsky.social at the Carolina Science Cafe at Haw River Tap & Table in Carrboro on Tues. Jan. 7, 6–7pm. She'll discuss the science behind recent flashy nutrition headlines & more. Plus, free food! moreheadplanetarium.org/calendar/car...
New study: Researchers from the University of Western Cape & @uncpublichealth.bsky.social found that 89% of snacks in Cape Town supermarkets were high in sugar, saturated fat, or sodium, dominated shelves, & were aggressively marketed to consumers through prominent placements.
tinyurl.com/2u4sek8h
tinyurl.com/2u4sek8h
The nutritional composition and in-store marketing of processed and packaged snack foods available at supermarkets in South Africa | Public Health Nutrition | Cambridge Core
The nutritional composition and in-store marketing of processed and packaged snack foods available at supermarkets in South Africa - Volume 27
www.cambridge.org
January 3, 2025 at 4:30 PM
New study: Researchers from the University of Western Cape & @uncpublichealth.bsky.social found that 89% of snacks in Cape Town supermarkets were high in sugar, saturated fat, or sodium, dominated shelves, & were aggressively marketed to consumers through prominent placements.
tinyurl.com/2u4sek8h
tinyurl.com/2u4sek8h
New study compares US FDA-proposed method to define which foods get labeled "high in" sat fat, sugar, or sodium to Chile, Canada, & PAHO methods & found FDA’s approach would require the least products to have a warning label, especially in categories often served in small portions. go.unc.edu/Bq4y6
Defining “High-In” Saturated Fat, Sugar, and Sodium to Help Inform Front-of-Pack Labeling Efforts for Packaged Foods and Beverages in the United States
Background: To help consumers make healthier choices, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been charged with developing a front-of-package label (FOPL) to appear on US packaged foods and beve...
www.mdpi.com
December 17, 2024 at 3:55 PM
New study compares US FDA-proposed method to define which foods get labeled "high in" sat fat, sugar, or sodium to Chile, Canada, & PAHO methods & found FDA’s approach would require the least products to have a warning label, especially in categories often served in small portions. go.unc.edu/Bq4y6