Processed Food Amidst Information Floods: Distinguishing Risk from Sensation
Discussions regarding processed food are becoming increasingly prevalent on social media. Various contents review compositions, food additives, and the impact of ultra-processed foods on health. While some help increase public awareness, many simplify the issue, creating the perception that all industrially processed foods are inherently dangerous.
Recently, chain information and several social media posts have emerged suggesting the dangers of eating sausages. This information can certainly be misleading if not accompanied by proper context. In reality, the processed food industry holds a very large market share with a long and credible trackable record.
Several food experts explain that information regarding certain ingredients is sometimes presented without explaining the amount used, the level of exposure, consumption patterns, or the research context. Terms such as chemicals, preservatives, flavourings, and ultra-processed foods are frequently positioned as indicators of danger. However, food safety and quality cannot be assessed solely based on the names of ingredients or the length of the composition list.
The Chairperson of the Indonesian Food Technologists Association (PATPI) for the 2022–2026 term, Prof. Dr. Ir. Giyatmi, M.Si., stated that debates regarding food need to be placed within a scientific framework. According to her, science must be the primary foundation in the formulation of food policy.
“Debates regarding food should not be based solely on perceptions or global trends. Indonesia needs food policies built on scientific evidence to be able to address challenges in nutrition, food safety, and food security, while simultaneously encouraging national food industry innovation. Food technology is not the problem, but rather part of the solution,” Giyatmi said during the PATPI 2026 National Seminar recently.
Processing is a part of the food system. Cooking, freezing, fermentation, pasteurisation, and sterilisation are forms of processing with different objectives. These technologies are used, among other things, to control contamination, maintain quality, facilitate distribution, and extend shelf life.
Therefore, processed food is not automatically the same as ultra-processed food (UPF). The assessment of a product also needs to consider sugar, salt, and fat content, energy density, serving size, nutritional value, and frequency of consumption.
Research results on the consumption patterns of a population cannot always be used to state that a specific ingredient or product inherently causes disease. The public needs to distinguish between the potential danger of an ingredient and the actual risk, which is influenced by the amount and method of exposure.
Products that meet safety regulations do not necessarily mean they can be consumed without limit. Processed foods still need to be placed within a diverse and balanced diet. Producers are also obligated to clearly communicate information regarding composition, nutritional value, serving size, storage instructions, and expiry dates.
Clinical Nutrition Specialist, dr. Johanes Casim Chandrawinata, MND, SpGK, reminded that processed foods essentially still need to be integrated into a balanced consumption pattern.
“Sausages can be consumed, but in moderation. Do not overindulge and continue to pay attention to your overall diet,” he said.
At the same time, consumers need to examine the basis of every health claim, ranging from the research source and the amount of consumption discussed, to whether the conclusions represent a broad scientific consensus. Criticism of food products remains necessary, but its delivery should not strip away context merely to produce shocking content.
Giyatmi believes that discussions regarding food should not stop at the conflict between natural products and processed results. Assessments need to consider safety, quality, nutritional content, benefits, and consumption patterns comprehensively.
“Science must be the foundation in decision-making so that the resulting policies truly serve the interests of the community,” she concluded.