Industry reacts to calorie reduction plans
With meat products being covered in the Calorie reduction plan unveiled by Public Health England (PHE), in a bid to tackle obesity, Meat Management has heard from industry on how the proposed steps might affect it in the coming years.
Highlighting his certainty that the industry “will play its part in finding ways to help the nation tackle obesity”, Nick Allen, chief executive of British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), cautioned that “making the conscious decision to reduce one’s calorie intake will always sit with the individual or, in the case of a child, with the person feeding them”.
Nick Allen, chief executive of BMPA.
He added: “Whilst a manufacturer may reduce the calories in a meal or a pack, that alone will not solve the problem. We have to work on educating people so that they understand what they are consuming and the benefits of a balanced diet, alongside ensuring that they get a reasonable amount of exercise.”
In addition, Andrew Kuyk CBE, director general of Provision Trade Federation (PTF), noted that meat is among the food products that make “significant contributions to good nutrition”, and stated: “Food manufacturers clearly have an important role to play in helping consumers to make healthier and more sustainable choices.
Andrew Kuyk CBE, PTF director general.
“But protein foods like dairy, meat and fish also make significant contributions to good nutrition – for all age groups – especially as part of a balanced and varied diet. There are no simple answers to the complex challenges of obesity – and more needs to be done to educate and inform about the many factors involved.”
Welcoming the Government’s calorie reduction ambitions, the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) director general, Ian Wright CBE, remarked that FDF has “long advocated an approach to tackling obesity which looks beyond individual nutrients and instead primarily focuses on calories”.
He explained: “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.
Ian Wright CBE, director general of FDF.
“FDF and its members take their responsibility in tackling obesity seriously. For the last decade the UK’s food and drink companies have been reformulating their products to reduce sugar, calories, fat and salt, as well as limiting portion sizes. In fact, over the last five years FDF members have reduced calorie content in the average basket by 5.5%.”
Recognising that PHE’s announcement “rightly focuses on fast foods and snacking as a significant cause of obesity”, Elwen Roberts, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales consumer executive, said: “The core message is, as ever, that a balanced diet with fresh produce is key to health. Red meat has a positive contribution to make to healthy diets.
Elwen Roberts, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales consumer executive.
“It’s vital that people are well-informed and aren’t swayed by sensational headlines. Average consumption of red and processed meat by adults in Britain is below the recommended intake of 70g per day. Furthermore, PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef are naturally rich sources of protein, and provide vitamins and minerals that contribute towards good health and wellbeing.”
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