Next Generation NOVA classification

The NOVA classification was originally developed by Professor Carlos Monteiro and colleagues from Center for Epidemiological Studies in Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The aim was to group all foods according to the nature, extent and purposes of the industrial processes they undergo - rather than in terms of nutrients. By that method NOVA is able to classify foods into four groups:

• Unprocessed or minimally processed foods
• Processed culinary ingredients
• Processed foods
• Ultra-processed foods

Since the original formulation of the NOVA classification the number of scientific publications about ultraprocessed food (UPF) and the relation to health and disease has increased a lot.

Observational studies and meta-analyses have shown associations between high intake of UPF and increased risk of diseases or intermediate risk markers of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer etc. In contrast, the UPF also includes mass produced bread-based products, which can have a high content of wholegrain or fibres and thus be beneficial for health.

Therefore, researchers argue that in terms of health perspectives the NOVA Classification is imprecise and can lead to misclassification. An update is needed, says Professor Susanne Bügel who is leading the new project UPDATE:

“This update should not only focus on misclassification but also on lack of evidence from intervention studies as the main body of evidence is relying on observational studies. Additionally, this project will focus on the mechanisms in order to elucidate more on the perspectives related to processing and nutritional value respectively,” says Professor Susanne Bügel.

Creating a strong network

An important aim of the project is to bring together researchers and to create a new network that can provide new information, says Professor Susanne Bügel:

“An important aim of this project is to bring experts together and include both those who invented the original NOVA classification and those who have been critical. Further, the project will investigate the literature gaps in the field and create a strong network of experts who can apply funding for future . “

The goal of the project is to resolve areas of criticism and disagreement, provide new information relevant for an update of the NOVA classification, and create a strong network, which is important if a new international NOVA classification should be successful.