Eating 10% more ultra processed foods (UPF) is associated with a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancer and 24% higher risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, according to a new study led by the University of Bristol and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

The study, which analysed diet and lifestyle data on 450,111 adults, who were followed for approximately 14 years, found that obesity associated with the consumption of UPFs may not be the only factor to blame.

Other causal factors could include additives, such as emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners, as well as contaminates from food packaging and the manufacturing process.