Major change to salt and sugar levels in UK food
Major change to salt and sugar levels in UK food
Food manufactuirers are calling for a change in the rules
Food has got healthier but manufacturers want the rules changed
Food firms have cut salt and sugar levels in their products by nearly a third over the past decade, according to a report. But UK manufacturers across the sector are calling for more funding and 'bold action' to help drive further innovation in healthy eating.
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said research by Kantar Worldpanel showed products made by its members have 31% less salt, 30% less sugar and a quarter fewer calories than they did 10 years ago. The group – whose members make a quarter of all food and drink sold in the UK – said the progress comes after years of investment by the industry, including around £180 million in healthier product innovation in 2024 alone.
But the FDF said rising cost and regulation pressures are putting this investment under pressure, with a recent survey of its members showing 41% are planning to scale back spend on this as a result. It wants extra funding support and is urging the Government to take 'bold, co-ordinated action across the whole food system' to help with the shift towards healthier food.
'This includes mandatory reporting on the sales of healthier and less healthy products across manufacturing, retail and hospitality,' the FDF said. It also means taking a more consistent approach to health policy across the entire food chain, ensuring consumers have access to the same clear information that helps them to make healthier choices, no matter where they're eating,' it added.
As well as funding for research and development and science support to the food sector, it believes the Government should help smaller firms more, with a similar scheme to the Scottish Government's Reformulation for Health programme. Efforts so far by the industry have included changing recipes and portion sizes.
Article continues below
Some manufacturers have added extra portions of vegetables, while others have invested in new machinery to make changes to the cooking process and recipe. Karen Betts, chief executive of the FDF, said: 'Companies have made major progress in slashing the calories, salt and sugar in everyday food and drink – making the food people love better for them, alongside hugely expanding the range of healthy options.
'But tackling poor diets and lifestyles is a complex issue and needs a more joined-up approach. We're calling on the Government today to work in a more structured partnership with the entire food industry to deliver change.'
She added that 'holistic and co-ordinated action will help us truly move the needle on this critical health challenge'.
Article continues below
A government spokesperson said: 'As part of this government's Plan for Change, we are committed to achieving our health mission to build an NHS fit for the future, which includes shifting from sickness to prevention. We are working closely with the food industry to improve people's diets and reduce levels of obesity and have already restricted junk food advertising on TV and online as well as limiting school children's access to fast food outlets.
'Making healthier choices easier is a major part of creating a food environment that is fairer, with the fewest lives lost to the biggest killers and where everyone lives well for longer.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Powys County Times
an hour ago
- Powys County Times
Bluetongue rules 'risk devastating farmers' along the border
The Welsh Government have been warned that Bluetongue rules 'risk devastating farmers and livestock markets right the way along the border. MP for Brecon, Radnorshire and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick and Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds have demanded urgent action to support farmers in Powys and across the Welsh marches. New rules set to come into force on July 1 will see sheep unable to cross the Welsh border unless it has had a bluetongue test, even if it has been vaccinated, which can cost as much as £70 per animal. The Welsh Government has relaxed rules on cattle to allow vaccinated animals to enter, however sheep will not be subject to the change despite there being over 8 million sheep being farmed in Wales in 2024. Much of the trade taking place across the England-Wales border and local farmer James Gittins warned that "in the worst-case scenario, we are going to see the numbers of lambs produced in Wales drop by 10 to 20 per cent, from which it may never recover." Livestock markets such as Builth, Prestige and Welshpool are also set to be massively hit by the rules. In Westminster on Thursday, Mr Chadwick questioned the UK Government EFRA Minister about how it plans to prevent a de facto veterinary hard border between England and Wales and protect cross-border farms from economic harm. Chadwick warned that the cost of testing 'is a devastating burden our local farmers cannot afford to take on at a time they are already under such significant financial pressure'. While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, the Minister declined to commit to additional support, citing devolved powers. 'These sudden and costly changes risk devastating farmers and livestock markets right the way along the border,' said Mr Chadwick. 'Cross-border movement is essential to how agriculture works in this region, it's not optional. If nothing changes, this will do serious damage to rural livelihoods and the local economy. 'We need urgent coordination between the Welsh and UK Governments to ease the burden and protect our farms.' In the Senedd, Jane Dodds raised the impact the policy is having on farmers' mental health, and urged the Welsh Government to work more closely together with a focus on vaccination over an unworkable testing and licensing scheme. Both representatives are calling for a joined-up, four-nation response to bluetongue, including surge funding for testing and vaccination. 'I've spoken with farmers, vets, and local markets and the message is clear, the current plan is unworkable,' said Ms Dodds. 'Testing is costly, slow, and does nothing to support already stressed farm communities. 'Vaccination must be at the heart of our response. We need a united approach between both Cardiff and London that puts farmers' wellbeing and practical realities first.'
Edinburgh Reporter
4 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Penthouses selling fast in East Lothian
Penthouses now released in Musselburgh. New home buyers looking for a premium penthouse living experience in Musselburgh have a rare opportunity to secure one of the region's only available top floor properties. Positioned on the banks of the River Esk, The Wireworks, a development by the Scottish property developer, Dundas, has had exceptional demand with half of the first released penthouses sold before they are even built. Representing the only opportunity for penthouse living currently available in East Lothian, The Wireworks is elevated living on a truly impressive scale. Buyers can enjoy panoramic views stretching across to Edinburgh, out towards the iconic Bass Rock in North Berwick, and deep into East Lothian's picturesque countryside – all from the comfort of their own private penthouse. Craig Fairfoull, Sales and Marketing Director at Dundas said: 'The Wireworks has proven to be hugely popular, particularly our penthouse collection which represents the only opportunity for penthouse living in East Lothian. 'With 50% of our first released penthouses already sold, this latest release presents an exclusive chance to secure a remarkable home, while further penthouses will arrive later this year in Block Four.' Offering a mix of immediate and future availability, buyers can choose between move-in ready residences or homes that will be completed within the next 10-12 weeks. All feature contemporary design, premium finishes, and spacious layouts. The Wireworks is a £35 million regeneration of Musselburgh's former Brunton Wireworks site, delivering a collection of high-spec one to three-bedroom apartments. Each home features high-spec fittings throughout, from SMEG kitchen appliances and Porcelanosa tiling to Hive-controlled heating – combining style with energy efficiency. Designed by Michael Laird Architects, The Wireworks draws inspiration from the site's industrial heritage while prioritising light, space and practical design. To learn more about The Wireworks, visit: Like this: Like Related
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The ten ways to protect your money from a disaster: As the threat of nuclear war looms and cyberattacks soar, experts reveal the life-saving ways every family can keep their cash safe
In an increasingly fraught world, threats to the security of our finances are coming from all sides. The prospect of war between the US and Iran, paired with growing domestic concerns, means you'd be forgiven for worrying about how it might affect you.
