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Action on Sugar

Government launches consultation on calorie labelling in the out-of-home sector

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Today, the government announced the second of a series of consultations as a result of the long awaited Chapter 2 of the childhood obesity plan, which outlines a series of measures as well as a commitment to halve childhood obesity by 2030. 

Calorie labelling for food and drink in restaurants, cafes and takeaways could be made mandatory following the public consultation announced by the government today.  The outcome could see calories displayed on menus alongside meal descriptors in out-of-home outlets across England.  However, exemptions may be made for small businesses and street vendors.

According to research by the Food Standards Agency 96% of people eat out, and 43% do so at least once or twice a week.  The amount of occasions people eat out is increasing. In 2010 69% of people said they had eaten out or bought takeaway food in the last week, this rose to 75% in 2014.

The government want all interested parties to respond to the consultation by the 7th December 2018.

Read the consultation document here

Respond to the consultataion here

Read the media coverage here

Kawther Hashem, Nutritionist and Researcher at Action on Sugar said:

“Whilst we are delighted that the consultation is proposing the introduction of calorie labels in the out of home sector – something which Action on Sugar called for in its revised obesity plan – it must go further in terms of highlighting levels of fat, salt and sugar, as well as calories.

Research shows the colour-coded labels, alongside percentage reference intakes, is one of the most effective ways to communicate nutrition information and helps people make more informed and healthier choices. This must be made mandatory across all products sold in retail and must be publicly available on packaging or on menus for food and drink available in restaurants, cafes and other out-of-home outlets with more than 20 outlets."

Helen Dickens, Assistant Campaigns Director at Diabetes UK, said:

“The UK is facing a Type 2 crisis. It’s really important we have measures in place that make it easier for us to lead healthier lives. These measures are the next vital step in making this a reality and – potentially – beginning to stem the tide.”

Caroline Cerny, Alliance Lead at Obesity Health Alliance said:

“We are pleased to see Government launch this consultation on calorie labelling in restaurants, cafes and takeaways. More than a quarter of adults and one fifth of children eat food in these types of outlets at least once a week and we know that clear, consistent nutritional labelling can help people to make healthier choices. 

Tackling labelling in the out-of-home sector is a welcome start, but we would like to see Government go further and commit to ensuring front of pack ‘traffic light’ labelling is protected as part of Brexit negotiations and any future trade deals.”

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said:

“Clear and visible information at the point of choice is important to help us understand what we are buying and to make healthier choices – this will help protect children from obesity.”

Professor Russell Viner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said:

“An obese child is more likely to be an obese adult. Calorie labelling is an important measure.”

 

 

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