News article
29 July 2020
Food and Drink Federation responds to the announcement of the National Food Strategy Interim Report
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FDF has prepared the following response as we expect the publication of the
National Food
Strategy Interim Report.
Responding to the publication of the National Food Strategy Interim Report, Tim
Rycroft,
FDF's Chief Operating Officer, said:
“We very much welcome the National Food Strategy Interim report today. In
particular, we
welcome the recommended measures which will help to increase access and
affordability of food for
children and families on lower incomes. We have long called on the government
to
introduce a more
holistic approach to helping people to eat well, including targeted measures
for
those who need it
most.
“The report is a considered contribution to the debate about the future of the
food and drink
supply chain, and we are pleased to see the report's focus on practical steps
to
promote recovery
and, specifically, jobs.
“Food and drink manufacturing has risen heroically to the challenges of
Covid-19. While
Covid's immediate impact is receding, it will have long-term consequences for
the operating model
and, in some cases, the viability of many food and drink businesses,
particularly those in the
hospitality industry, as well as those companies that supply that sector. It is
therefore essential that
any measures we now adopt must facilitate and not hamper recovery.
“While we agree with the more targeted measures set out in the report, we are
disappointed
to see that Henry has endorsed two of the policies set out in the Government's
obesity strategy – a
proposed '9pm watershed' for HFSS advertising and banning retail and online
promotions of HFSS
products. The Government's own evidence shows these measures combined will only
reduce a
child's calorie consumption by 17 calories per day (1). Such measures will also
massively dis-
incentivise manufacturers to bring forward reformulated, healthier options
since
in many cases they
will not be able to be advertised or promoted to consumers.
“Our food system is highly successful in providing choice, convenience and value
to the
public and industry is rightly proud of this. We acknowledge that there are
issues that need to be
addressed and we are ready to play our part. We look forward to working with
Henry Dimbleby, his
team and Defra in anticipation of the final National Food Strategy report in
the
coming months.”
References
DHSC impacts assessments on price
promotions, location promotions and DCMS impact assessment on further advertising restrictions
More Information
Contact Ellie Ashwell, Corporate Affairs Division, at: ellie.ashwell@fdf.org.uk, or 07701380755.
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