Recent scientific studies and regulatory evaluations underline a crucial concern regarding highly processed foods and their link to various health risks. A study published in the British Medical Journal has established a connection between these foods and 32 different diseases, including obesity, heart attacks, and cancer. According to a medical professional from Charité Hospital, products classified as NOVA category 4 frequently contain excessive amounts of salt, sugars, and saturated fats, while lacking essential vitamins and dietary fiber.
Vegan Products Often Misconstrued as Healthy
Nutritional experts caution against products that are misleadingly presented as healthy. Many vegan meat substitutes, for instance, are highly processed and often contain high levels of saturated fats and salt. Ready-made granola can sometimes consist of up to 60 grams of sugar per 100 grams, particularly in varieties that include dried fruits, such as raisins.
Juices and smoothies are also drawing criticism for their sugar content, which can exceed 13 grams per 100 milliliters, surpassing that of sugary soft drinks. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting daily sugar intake to a maximum of 25 grams.
Light Products Under Scrutiny
The use of artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose is increasingly questioned. Aspartame is considered potentially carcinogenic, while xylitol is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Particularly sneaky are “light” products that many consumers reach for to save calories, often unknowingly accepting other health risks in return.
Pesticides Emerge as a Concerns in Strawberries
Studies conducted by environmental organizations such as PAN reveal significant pesticide contamination in conventionally grown fruit. Research sampling strawberries from eleven EU countries found PFAS pesticide residues in 58% of the samples. Alarmingly, every sample tested in Austria was contaminated. However, the good news is that organic strawberries in these samples came back residue-free.
Grilling: The Danger of Nitrosamines
Experts from institutions such as the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and VKI warn about the risks associated with grilling. Processed meats like cheese krainers and bacon contain nitrite-curing salt (E250), which can form carcinogenic nitrosamines at high temperatures. Experts recommend indirect grilling and advise against burning food—it’s noteworthy that in Austria alone, approximately 700 grill-related accidents were recorded in 2024.
Olive Oil: One in Two Products Found Lacking
Quality issues regarding olive oils have surged. Data from CVUA Stuttgart indicates a rise in complaints about olive oil from 38% in 2024 to 43% in 2025. Alarmingly, the proportion of counterfeit oils marketed as “extra virgin” increased from 2-3% to 11%. Fraudsters are diluting high-quality oil with cheaper sunflower oil. Additionally, cancer-causing mineral oil residues (MOAH) have been found in pomace oils, with levels exceeding EFSA’s guidelines by 20 times.
Coffee: The Filter Protects Your Heart
There are also health risks associated with coffee preparation. Long-term studies from Harvard Medical School and Uppsala University indicate that unfiltered coffee from full automatics or French presses can contain up to 30 times more diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) than filtered coffee. These compounds may elevate LDL cholesterol levels.
Salmonella Outbreak in Europe
Health authorities are currently warning about a salmonella outbreak affecting 13 European nations. Since November 2025, over 100 cases have been reported, resulting in 49 hospitalizations. The source of the outbreak has been attributed to chicken-flavored instant noodles from the brand Reeva Foods, prompting a recall from the Ukrainian manufacturer Euro Food Service.
Sugar Tax: A Model from the UK
The German Alliance for Non-Communicable Diseases (DANK) advocates for a manufacturer levy on sugary drinks, similar to a successful initiative in the UK that halved sugar content in beverages and reduced children’s sugar consumption. In Chile, warning labels and advertising restrictions have led to a decline in childhood obesity rates. However, rising raw material prices are complicating matters in Europe, with sugar prices recently soaring 70% above last year’s levels.
