Mayer referred to as for stronger measures from the Authorities to make sure customers are supplied more healthy merchandise and take into account whether or not VAT could possibly be imposed on extra HFSS merchandise.
“The UK meals trade’s efforts to enhance the well being profile of its merchandise haven’t moved quick sufficient,” he advised The Guardian. “We’ve reached some extent the place significant intervention from the federal government is a needed plan of action.”
Setting clear parameters
“It’s time for the federal government to maneuver from a coverage that favours warning to 1 that units clear parameters for the trade and customers as to what constitutes a wholesome product.”
Regulation was the one manner wherein the foods and drinks trade as an entire could be incentivised to maneuver in direction of more healthy, extra sustainable merchandise, Mayers claimed.
“That is prone to contain shifting quicker on meals and beverage knowledge sharing and transparency, lastly introducing restrictions on promoting of merchandise [high in fat, sugar or salt] and taking a look at how VAT charges could be aligned to the well being credentials of merchandise,” he added.
Authorities motion
The Authorities has already been criticised for dragging its heals on the weight problems disaster within the UK. Plans to push again the proposed ban on junk meals adverts earlier than 9pm on TV and on-line was met by backlash from well being our bodies and trade stress teams.
Weight problems Well being Alliance director Katharine Jenner accused the Authorities of caring extra about its personal short-term political well being than the longer-term well being of youngsters.
The unfavourable press surrounding HFSS meals has seen quite a few corporations launch merchandise that skirt round Authorities restrictions, or reformulate current SKUs to verify they don’t fall foul of latest laws.
Final month noticed Nestlé launch a HFSS compliant dessert, whereas Walkers reported 30% of its gross sales come from more healthy snacks.
