Ultra Processed Food guidance changed after lobbying
Discover the alarming truth about how global food corporations lobbied the UK government to drop guidelines promoting healthier food options, causing potential harm to public health.
Unveiling Global Firms’ Influence in Halting the UK’s Health Push
In a startling revelation, an investigation conducted by The Guardian, highlights a lobbying campaign by major ultra-processed food companies leading to the UK government’s retreat from an initiative that aimed to promote healthier eating practices.
The Truth Unveiled
The UK government’s initial plan was to encourage the sale of nutritious, and minimally processed food options through appealing deals and promotions.
This move was to encourage consumers away from unhealthy options and toward a balanced diet.
Studies have shown that ultra-processed foods (UPF) now account for half of British diets. It is as high as 80% for some groups, including the young, those on low incomes, and those from disadvantaged areas.
Astoundingly, this plan which promised to revolutionise healthy eating in the UK, was discarded following strong lobbying by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
The FDF, a body representing major businesses including Nestlé, Mondelēz, Coca-Cola, Mars and Unilever, aggressively pushed for the governmental health drive to be abandoned.
Consequently, although the guidance provided to retailers limits promotions of high fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) products, it no longer explicitly encourages healthy or minimally processed alternatives.
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This amended focus creates a loophole exploited by ultra-processed foods.
Many such products can technically qualify as “healthier” options (often by using sweeteners and other food alternatives) despite being packed with preservatives and additives.
This includes items ranging from energy drinks, fast food meals, to candy treats and salty snacks.
A Change in Course
During the investigation, it was seen that this turn-around happened on 1 June 2023, during Rishi Sunak’s government term.
It has been found that the FDF exerted immense pressure on the DHSC (Department of Health and Social Care) to rewrite its nutrition policy, eventually succeeding as the references to minimal processing were removed from retail guidance.
Comment by Allen Carr’s Easyway
This is an important exposé showing the push and pull of corporate influence on government policies. A harsh reality we all should know and must consider.
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