07 Oct 2020

British Dietetic Association CEO, Andy Burman, responds to Government's Sugar reduction: report on progress between 2015 and 2019 published today, 7 October 2020: 

"This is somewhat disappointing, but not unexpected given the lack of progress in the 2015-2018 report.

"There is some very positive progress in some categories, in particular breakfast cereals, and in the retail sector, yogurts and fromage frais. However, in nearly all other categories it is clear that industry is not going to hit its 20% target by this year. 

"This programme needs more teeth, as the voluntary approach is clearly not working on its own. Some categories saw increases in total sugar sales and that will have been in part because of the marketing of these products. 

"We need urgent action on in-store promotions, online and broadcast advertising and sponsorship to reduce families exposure to High Fat, Sugar and Salt foods.

"Government also needs to put in place a plan for what happens next, how it will have enforceable measures to drive sugar reduction and reformulation across retailers, manufacturers and out of home."

  • The British Dietetic Association (BDA), founded in 1936, is the professional association and trade union for dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the nation’s largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with over 9,500 members.
     
  • Dietitians are highly qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. They are statutorily regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), alongside other Allied Health Professions.
     
  • Dietitians use the most up to date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices. They work in the NHS, private practice, industry, education, research, sport, media and government. Their advice influences food and health policy across the spectrum from government and global industry to local communities and individuals.
     
  • www.bda.uk.com
     
  • @BDA_Dietitians
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Author

Andy Burman

Chief Executive, British Dietetic Association

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