Regulators previously focused on cutting sugar and salt in food products
In an effort to regulate obesity in the UK, Public Health England (PHE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have broadened their diet policy to include a 20% reduction of calories in certain foods by 2024.
Regulators previously focused on cutting sugar and salt in food products.
Dr Alison Tedstone, PHE chief nutritionist said, “The 20% reduction target is the result of analysis of the new calorie consumption data, experience of sugar and salt reduction programmes, and more than 20 meetings with the food industry and stakeholders.”
The new ‘One You’ campaign by PHE advises adults to eat no more than 400 calories for breakfast and 600 calories for lunch and dinner.
Duncan Selbie, PHE chief executive said, “The simple truth is on average we need to eat less. Children and adults routinely eat too many calories and it’s why so many are overweight or obese. Industry can help families by finding innovative ways to lower the calories in the food we all enjoy and promoting UK business leadership on the world stage in tackling obesity.”
Policy makers are calling on the food industry to reformulate products to adhere to the calorie count reduction, particularly in processed foods such as pizzas, ready meals, meat products and snacks.
The government estimated that if the 2024 target was successful, it could prevent more than 35,000 premature deaths, and save the NHS £9bn over the next 25 years.
Steve Brine, UK Public Health and Social Care Minister said: “Our calorie reduction programme – the first of its kind from any country in the world – will continue to build on the progress of our world-leading childhood obesity plan, which has led to positive steps by industry.”
The Food and Drink Federation supported the new target, with director-general Ian Wright commenting: “It’s encouraging too to see that the government’s renewed focus looks not just at the food and drink bought for consumption at home, but also at takeaways, restaurants and cafés.”
“To be successful in improving the nation’s health, it is also vital that this work delivers appropriate, clear and easily understandable calorie messages for shoppers and consumers.”
