Ultra-processed foods

Obesity  Sugar Quota   Import Standards

UPFoods are "characteristically formulated from ‘refined’ and ‘purified’ ingredients freed from the fibrous watery matrix of their original raw materials. They are formulated to be sensually appealing, hyper-palatable, and habit-forming, by the use of sophisticated mixtures of cosmetic and other additives, and state-of-the-craft packaging and marketing” 

It is not the processing of the products itself – but rather the processing of the constituent ingredients – that causes a product to be considered 'ultra-processed' 

Ultra-processed food makes up half  the food we eat in UK, and virtually all of it is imported from far flung lands. 

Four of the five main constituents of u-p foods are completely dependent on imports, corn flour and cane sugar from Americas, soy oil from South Americas and palm oil from Asia.  The fifth main ingredient, wheat flour, may be grown here.

During Brexit, there was talk of Empire 2.0 The provision of u-p 'feedstuffs' is just that.

Ingredients

Ultra-processed foods typically have more than one ingredient that you never or rarely find in a kitchen. They also tend to include many additives and ingredients that are not typically used in home cooking, such as preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and artificial colours and flavours. These foods generally have a long shelf life. 

Ultra-processed foods are based on substrates - lets call them feedstuffs' that are virtually all imported. Corn (maize from US, previously Ukraine)) provides flour, soy and palm oils are all imported from Brazil and Middle East  Similarly nearly all the sugar is imported either as corn sugar (HFCS) or cane sugar British beet sugar is not used. The only substrate that may be provided from local producers is wheat..working on proportion 

Details of UK’s lower self-sufficiency of crops that make up most ultra-processed foods.

While the general self-sufficiency rate for overall food production is around 62%, the reliance on imports for certain key crops like corn, soy, sugar (cane-derived), and palm oil skews this figure downward for ultra-processed food production. 

Many imported substrates are highly refined or chemically processed to ensure shelf stability and ease of transport, often at the expense of nutritional value. 

Palm Oil

UK imports v nearly $500m (2022), 36% from Papua New Guinea, 20% Indonesia and 13% Malaysia

Cane Sugar

UK imports $200m, vast majority (54%) from Brazil

Corn

UK imports $585M, 20% from France & Canada each.

Soy 

UK imports over 3 million metric tons of soy each year Cost $550M soybeans with the majority coming from Brazil (66%), and the United States. (24%). Much of this may go cattle feed. Soy Oil costs $210M in imports predominantly (80%) from Netherlands

The main constituents of ultra-processed foods in detail.

The main constituents such as wheat, corn, soy, palm oil, and sugars are indeed typically processed to some extent before shipment. These raw materials are transformed into intermediary products or ingredients - some with new names - to ensure stability, ease of transport, and versatility in industrial applications.
List includes High-fructose corn syrup: HS 1702.60

The main constituents of ultra-processed foods—such as wheat, corn, soy, palm oil, and sugars—are indeed typically processed to some extent before shipment. These raw materials are transformed into intermediary products or ingredients to ensure stability, ease of transport, and versatility in industrial applications. Below is an overview of their processing stages and the names under which they are exported/imported, often aligned with Harmonized System (HS) codes.

1. Wheat

2. Corn (Maize)

3. Soy

4. Palm

5. Sugars

Mapping the UK's food trading relations in the era of ultra-processed foods

Such mapping requires a multifaceted approach, integrating trade data, supply chain analysis, regulatory understanding, and advanced visualization techniques. By systematically gathering data, identifying key trade partners, and utilising appropriate mapping tools, we can create a detailed and insightful representation of the UK's modern food trade landscape, aptly capturing the essence of "Empire 2.0." I have made a start on this page, but there is a long way to go.....

Building a comprehensive map of the UK's evolving food trading relations, especially in the context of a significant shift towards ultra-processed foods, is an ambitious and insightful project. This transformation reflects broader changes in global food systems, supply chains, and consumer preferences, often likened to a new "Empire 2.0." Here's a structured approach to help you develop this map effectively:

1. Define the Scope and Objectives

a. Objectives:

b. Scope:

2. Gather Comprehensive Trade Data

a. Key Data Sources:

b. Relevant Harmonized System (HS) Codes:

Use these HS codes to filter and extract specific trade data for each ingredient.

Ingredient

Processed Forms

HS Codes

Wheat

Flour, starch, gluten

1101, 1108.11, 1109

Corn

Starch, syrup, etc.

1108.12, 1702.60, 2303.30

Soy

Oils, protein isolates

1507.10, 1507.90, 2106.10, 2923.20

Palm Oil

Crude, refined, kernel oil

1511.10, 1511.90, 1513.21

Sugars

Raw, refined, syrups

1701.12, 1701.99, 1702.30, 1702.90

3. Identify Major Trading Partners

a. By Ingredient:

b. Export Destinations for Processed Foods:

4. Analyse Trade Agreements and Policies

a. Post-Brexit Trade Dynamics:

b. Regulatory Standards:

c. Tariffs and Quotas:

5. Map the Supply Chains

a. Supply Chain Stages:

b. Tools and Technologies:

c. Visualization Elements:

6. Incorporate Industry and Market Data

a. Major UK Food Processors:

b. Market Trends:

7. Address Challenges and Considerations

a. Data Availability and Quality:

b. Complexity of Supply Chains:

c. Dynamic Trade Environment:

8. Utilize Visualization and Mapping Tools

a. Data Visualization Platforms:

b. Interactive Elements:

9. Example Structure for Your Food Trade Map

a. Global Supply Overview:

b. UK Processing Hubs:

c. Export Destinations:

d. Regulatory and Trade Policy Overlay:

10. Leverage Additional Resources

a. Reports and Publications:

b. Academic Research:

c. Industry Associations:

Sugar

Are Isoglucose and High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) the same thing?
 "There is a lot of confusion around the terms, isoglucose and high fructose corn syrup (& glucose-fructose syrup) which are often used interchangeably. In Europe, due to ‘isomerisation’ process, GFS with more than 10% fructose is called isoglucose. In turn, when the fructose content exceeds 50%, the name changes to Fructose-Glucose Syrup to reflect the higher content of fructose". In UK we talk about HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup), whereas EU call it 'Iso-Glucose. Fructose and glucose are isomers of each other. They have the same chemical formula, C6H12O6. However, they are isomers because their atoms are organised differently

If you are confused, that helps explain why many people do not realise that fructose in UK is iso-glucose in Europe, and if you may not have realised how much US 'corn' tries to get into Europe.

Sugar

Most sugar in ultra-processed foods comes from either cane sugar or corn sugar. We and the rest of Europe grow beet sugar. 

Napoleon developed beet sugar to withstand UK blockades of cane sugar, so there is quite a history in Europe of supporting its beet farmers - more than the UK. See Cane in UK below

The 1980 Iso-Glucose Case (Case 138/79, Roquette Frères v. Council of the European Communities) revolved around the European Economic Community's (EEC) imposition of tariffs and production levies on iso-glucose, a sweetener derived from maize (corn), as part of its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The case highlighted the tensions between market regulation and free competition within the EEC.

The proposed tariffs were aimed at protecting the European sugar beet industry, which was heavily subsidized under the CAP. Iso-glucose, a cheaper alternative to sugar, posed a competitive threat to the traditional sugar market. The EEC sought to equalize the economic conditions between the two sweeteners by imposing production levies on iso-glucose to align its costs with sugar. The policy was intended to prevent market disruption, protect agricultural incomes, and ensure stability in the sugar industry—a politically influential sector in many member states.

The measures, however, were criticized as disproportionately favoring the sugar industry at the expense of iso-glucose producers. Roquette Frères, a leading iso-glucose manufacturer, challenged the regulation, arguing that it violated the principles of proportionality and equal treatment enshrined in EU law. The company contended that the tariffs distorted competition and unfairly hindered the development of alternative sweetener markets.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ultimately upheld the EEC's regulation, emphasizing the broad discretion granted to EU institutions in shaping agricultural policy. The Court found the measures justified under the CAP's objectives, even if they imposed unequal burdens on different sectors. This ruling underscored the dominance of agricultural priorities in early EU law-making and illustrated the challenges of balancing market liberalization with sectoral protectionism. The case remains a landmark in EU competition and agricultural law.

The proposed levies on iso-glucose under the European Economic Community's (EEC) regulations in the 1980s were designed to align the production costs of iso-glucose with those of traditional sugar. Specifically:

This levy aimed to counterbalance the lower production costs of iso-glucose compared to sugar derived from sugar beet, ensuring that iso-glucose did not undercut the sugar industry, which was protected by subsidies and quotas under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

These measures reflected the political and economic priorities of the EEC at the time, particularly its commitment to stabilising the sugar market and supporting agricultural incomes in member states where sugar beet production was a significant sector. However, the levies also effectively limited the competitiveness of iso-glucose producers like Roquette Frères, prompting the legal challenge that became the Iso-Glucose Case.

Cane Sugar in UK

CANE (not beet) SUGAR used for Ultra-processed foods.

Cane sugar tariff

"The Judge concluded that, while the Government’s expectation when introducing the ATQ (autonomous tariff quota for raw cane sugar ) was that the overwhelming majority of the ATQ would be used by T&L, this was not because of any term of the ATQ which was designed or in fact had this effect, but because T&L was the only raw cane sugar refiner operating in the UK. 

High Court dismisses Challenge (by British Sugar plc)

Mr Justice Foxton today dismissed a claim for judicial review brought by British Sugar plc against the Secretary of State for International Trade challenging the legality of an autonomous tariff quota for raw cane sugar (“the ATQ”). Under the ATQ, 260,000 tonnes of raw cane sugar may be imported into the UK tariff-free each year for refining. The ATQ is available to all importers on a first-come, first-served basis.

By its first ground, British Sugar alleged the ATQ was an unlawful State aid to Tate & Lyle Sugars in breach of Article 10(1) of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Tate & Lyle is the only substantial refiner of raw cane sugar in the UK and imported over 99% of the raw cane sugar which benefited from the ATQ in 2021. By its second ground, British Sugar alleged that the ATQ was an unlawful subsidy to Tate & Lyle granted in breach of Article 366 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and the EU (“the TCA”).

On the first ground, Mr Justice Foxton rejected British Sugar’s submission that the ATQ was by its nature selective. The Judge concluded that, while the Government’s expectation when introducing the ATQ was that the overwhelming majority of the ATQ would be used by T&L, this was not because of any term of the ATQ which was designed or in fact had this effect, but because T&L was the only raw cane sugar refiner operating in the UK. As such, the Judge held that it was necessary to apply the three stage World Duty Free test for determining whether a tax measure is de facto selective. Applying the three stage test, he held that the ATQ formed part of the normal taxation regime for imports of raw cane sugar and did not discriminate between undertakings in comparable factual and legal situations. Accordingly, it did not confer a selective advantage on Tate & Lyle. Had the issue arisen, however, he would have rejected the Secretary of State’s case that the ATQ was justified by the general principles of the UK’s system of import duty.

Tariffs

Cane Sugar
The freedom to change tariffs was a much proclaimed advantage of Brexit. Yet only three tariffs have been altered following the freedom from EU constraints. Raw Sugar Cane Quota was changed so  the first 1/4 m tons became exempt immediately after Brexit . All that comes through Tate & Lyle and is worth worth £100m a year. Despite a challenge in the High Court from British Sugar the judge decided the 'altered quota' remains.

Corn
Government has removed tariffs on importing US maize in 2022 (Tariffs on US bourbon whisky other goods were also lifted)

Palm Oil

Malaysia has negotiated with the UK to eliminate tariffs on Malaysian palm oil from the current 12% to zero upon entry into the trade pact."  

This  comes into force now as  the UK joined the CPTPP in Dec 2024 More on CPTPP

Environmental groups argue that palm oil production is linked to deforestation and damages orangutan habitats. The Conservative government said that the UK and Malaysia have published a joint statement on sustainable agricultural commodity trade and cooperation to conserve forests  

Soy Trade

a. Supply Chain Mapping:

b. Trade Dynamics:

Implications for Ultra-Processed Foods

When focusing specifically on ultra-processed food ingredients:

This bias highlights a critical area for policy focus, especially given that ultra-processed foods make up over half of the average UK diet.
Efforts to improve food security and sustainability would benefit from prioritising alternatives or innovations to reduce reliance on imported ingredients for ultra-processed foods.

Future Trends and Projections

a. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing:

b. Technological Advancements:

c. Consumer Behaviour:

Points to Ponder..

Virtually all ultra-processed feedstuffs are vegetable-based

Labour's proposed ban on advertising  'junk food' (High fat, salt & sugar) before 9pm means that foods like porridge, crumpets and muffins are banned, yet leaves alone UP-foods