A number of pejorative connotations can be observed when it comes to “processed foods” and “ultra-processed foods” and their formulation with specialty food ingredients. The debate becomes even more virulent with the emergence of new plant-based food categories, which detractors blame the alleged high content in food additives to defend their traditional counter-parts. EU Specialty Food Ingredients has published a brochure that aims at recalling the reasons for use and authorisation of specialty food ingredients, where such use may be considered as a “marker for ultra-processed foods” in certain foodstuffs.

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