Hommam Al Nassim 
A new report issued by the World Health Organization shows that ultra-processed foods, tobacco, and alcohol, in addition to fossil fuels, are major factors behind the deaths of about 2.7 million people annually in Europe.
According to the data presented in the report, more than 7,400 people die every day in Europe as a result of what is described as “powerful industries” that contribute to the deterioration of public health through their harmful products and practices.
Experts emphasized that these industries impede government efforts aimed at reducing chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes by influencing health policies.
The report indicates that smoking alone causes the death of 1.15 million people annually in Europe, while 426,857 deaths are recorded due to alcohol, 117,290 deaths resulting from the consumption of processed meat, in addition to 252,187 deaths related to diets rich in salt.
The World Health Organization called for tightening regulations to limit the impact of these industries, noting that these products cause 24% of the total deaths on the continent, knowing that cardiovascular diseases constitute 51.4% and cancer 46.4% of these deaths.
The report also shed light on tactics used by the ultra-processed food industry, such as aggressive marketing and spreading misinformation, as well as social media promotion and funding of research that serves its own agendas.
The organization stressed that the primary interest of these companies remains profit, which puts their interests in constant conflict with public health.
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