A new review published in The Lancet warns that ultra-processed foods have become a global health threat. The report says these products are made from cheap crops broken down into industrial ingredients and mixed with additives before being sold as packaged snacks, noodles and biscuits. Studies link high consumption to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression and early death. Ultra-processed foods now dominate diets in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. The report notes that major food companies have earned significant profits from these products and have used marketing and lobbying to shape regulations.