Hidden danger in consuming 'dark calories’In June 2024 a World Health Organization (WHO) report said that ultra-processed food is responsible for about 391,000 deaths a year in Europe. The WHO said the four industries — ultra-processed food, alcohol, fossil fuels and tobacco — were responsible for more than 2.7 million deaths a year, about one quarter of all fatalities, on the continent. “It is estimated that at least one third of total global deaths (19 million) and 41% of non-communicable disease deaths are attributable to just four commercial products: tobacco, ultra-processed foods, fossil fuels and alcohol,” the WHO wrote.