The government has adopted a more conciliatory tone towards the industry in a new action plan laying out the timetable for food and health reform.
The DoH, which recently said it would not cave in to industry lobbyists opposed to its nutrient profiling, said it acknowledged that “industry recognises its corporate social responsibility and has shown it wants to play its part”. It added: “There are already numerous examples that demonstrate responsibility in this area.”
However, it reiterated plans to use the controversial nutrient-profiling model to underpin its approach to signposting, advertising and promotion to children and on the use of the 5-a-day logo on composite foods containing fruit and veg.
It also revealed that plans for reducing fat and sugar in processed foods would be agreed as early as May, with targets set in June 2006.
Portion size was also high up the agenda, with the FSA and the DoH to conduct a survey into portion sizes in March 2006, with guidance on recommended sizes out for consultation by autumn 2006.
The food signposting system, the most controversial aspect, will be based on guidance published by the FSA in October and must be adopted across the industry by March 2006.
By May:
DoH and FSA to agree plan for reducing fat and sugar in processed foods.
By June:
FSA to publish nutritional criteria used as basis for advertising and food promotion to children.
By July:
FSA to publish results of consumer research into signposting and to consult on guidance on the nutrient profiling model of high, medium and low descriptors on salt, fat and sugar levels in children’s food, signposting and nutritional health claims.
By September:
The DoH to publish guidance on the use of 5-a-day logo on composite foods and foods targeted at children.
DoH and FSA to work with the industry to identify targets for salt reduction.
By October:
FSA to publish guidance on signposting.
2006:
The year it all happens. A new advertising code, nutritional signposting, sugar and fat reduction targets all introduced.
By mid-2007:
Government to decide whether to legislate on food advertising and promotion to children.
The DoH, which recently said it would not cave in to industry lobbyists opposed to its nutrient profiling, said it acknowledged that “industry recognises its corporate social responsibility and has shown it wants to play its part”. It added: “There are already numerous examples that demonstrate responsibility in this area.”
However, it reiterated plans to use the controversial nutrient-profiling model to underpin its approach to signposting, advertising and promotion to children and on the use of the 5-a-day logo on composite foods containing fruit and veg.
It also revealed that plans for reducing fat and sugar in processed foods would be agreed as early as May, with targets set in June 2006.
Portion size was also high up the agenda, with the FSA and the DoH to conduct a survey into portion sizes in March 2006, with guidance on recommended sizes out for consultation by autumn 2006.
The food signposting system, the most controversial aspect, will be based on guidance published by the FSA in October and must be adopted across the industry by March 2006.
By May:
DoH and FSA to agree plan for reducing fat and sugar in processed foods.
By June:
FSA to publish nutritional criteria used as basis for advertising and food promotion to children.
By July:
FSA to publish results of consumer research into signposting and to consult on guidance on the nutrient profiling model of high, medium and low descriptors on salt, fat and sugar levels in children’s food, signposting and nutritional health claims.
By September:
The DoH to publish guidance on the use of 5-a-day logo on composite foods and foods targeted at children.
DoH and FSA to work with the industry to identify targets for salt reduction.
By October:
FSA to publish guidance on signposting.
2006:
The year it all happens. A new advertising code, nutritional signposting, sugar and fat reduction targets all introduced.
By mid-2007:
Government to decide whether to legislate on food advertising and promotion to children.
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