Industry urged to fund food education campaign

Related tags Nutrition Health

In contrast to the crackdown on smoking, the public health White Paper focuses on education rather than legislation when it comes to talking...

In contrast to the crackdown on smoking, the public health White Paper focuses on education rather than legislation when it comes to talking obesity.

The government has stopped short of introducing legal curbs on advertising unhealthy food to children - but has warned that legislation will follow if voluntary controls are not effective.

Suggestions that pubs would have to introduce a compulsory 'traffic light' warning system on menus, with high fat and high salt dishes labelled red for danger, and fresh fruit and veg signalled green, are also on hold.

Instead, the industry is being encouraged to develop its own 'signposting' system for food content, which can be used for processed food and food targeted at children.

Health ministers believe the success of the 'five-a-day' campaign, encouraging people to eat five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables, can be repeated to promote other healthy eating habits.

Health secretary John Reid said: "People make their own choices about health, but they have made plain in our consultation that they want the information, advice and support in making their own choices so, we need to ensure that people have the information they require."

The food industry will also be encouraged to work with the Food Standards agency to:

  • increase the availability of healthier food
  • reduce the levels of salt, added sugar and fat in prepared and processed food
  • reverse the trend towards bigger portion sizes and develop guidance on portion sizes to reduce fat, sugar and salt intake.

The farming and food industries are being asked to contribute to a Food and Health Action Plan which will be published early next year. The white paper also makes it clear that the food industry will be expected to fund new health education campaigns.

The main focus is on improving children's health, where the government believes there is "a strong case" for restricting advertising and promotion to children.

The government wants the food industry to develop voluntary codes on advertising and marketing, but warned that if effective measures are not bought in by 2007, it will consider legislation.

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