Tufton sounds processed food warning

Jamaicans are being urged to reduce their consumption of ultra-processed foods such as carbonated drinks, ham, sausages, ice cream and baked products

Speaking recently at a public health lecture at the University of Technology (UTech), health and wellness minister Dr Christopher Tufton argued that "the cost of sickness is not worth the price of ultra-processed food consumption in excess".

"In Jamaica today, the data is clear - almost 80 per cent of us are dying from lifestyle-related diseases - nutrition being a big part of that, and indeed, our mortality rate is now tapering off and heading into a decline," the minister said.

He said ultra-processed foods, which Jamaicans are consuming for convenience and other reasons, is having a ripple effect on the people's health. As a result of this, the minister revealed that more Jamaicans are getting ill and are dying before the age of 75.