Health and Vitality

Government warned off “dangerous” allergen regulations

Better communication between businesses and customers is the most effective way to tackle allergen-related issues, said UKHospitality in its response to the government’s consultation on new regulations. Some of the options under consideration are “potentially dangerous” and impractical, the organisation warned. Defra has proposed an overhaul of food allergen information laws. This followed the tragic…

Tackling salt consumption outside the home

In an editorial for The BMJ published this month, and reproduced here in full, Dr Martin Caraher Professor of Food and Health Policy at City University, and Footprint Associate Editor Nick Hughes argue that tougher policies are required to make fast food healthier Salt has traditionally been used in food for preservation and to enhance…

The first salt reduction targets set for the out of home sector were “generous”, according to Public Health England. Should businesses prepare for lower limits and even regulation? Work on the salt content of food began in 2004. Since then voluntary reduction targets have been set four times, in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2014. The…

Meat-free messaging boosts Greggs’ sales

The publicity surrounding its new vegan-friendly sausage rolls helped Greggs register an “exceptional sales performance” in the first part of the year. In the seven weeks to February 16th, total sales increased 14.1%, whilst like-for-like sales. The period covers the Veganuary campaign, during which a record 250,000 worldwide are reported to have tried eschewing livestock…

Government must tackle sugar supply, say experts

Actions to control the supply of sugar through agriculture and trade policy are needed to reduce sugar consumption in the UK, according to a new briefing from the Food Research Collaboration. Total sugar consumption in the UK is currently three times the government recommendation. Government policies – including the tax on sugar-sweetened drinks and the…

Carlsberg finds cheer in alcohol-free sales

Carlsberg has committed to put “a lot of money” into its alcohol-free beers following impressive growth in the category, particularly in Western Europe. “The alcohol-free brews category offers excellent margin opportunities and is growing across Western Europe and also in Eastern Europe,” the brewer noted in its annual report, published this month. “We believe it…

Four in five people across Northern Europe do not know about the essential nutrients they have in their diet, whilst 40% feel they lack at least some of the essential nutrients they need. The new research, commissioned by Arla Foods, uncovered a knowledge gap when it comes to understanding about food. For example, almost half…

The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has launched a practical guide to portion sizes called “Find Your Balance”. The guide uses simple hand and spoon measurements to help consumers estimate appropriate portions, when cooking and serving food. It is designed to complement the Government’s Eatwell Guide, which provides guidance on the proportions of the main food…

Obesity targets missed but companies have “stepped up”

No country is on track to achieve the adult obesity target, with 39% of the world’s adults overweight or obese and 43.7% of children drinking soda every day, according to a new report. Now in its fifth edition, the Global Nutrition Report tracks country progress against nine of the global nutrition targets. It is the…

Interview: Moira Howie, nutrition and health manager, Waitrose

At the Asset 2018 conference in Belfast last year, Moira Howie suggested that truly personalised nutrition is “within our grasp”. Footprint caught up with her to find out more. Footprint: How is personalised nutrition defined? MH: The tailoring of information and advice that can help individuals optimise their diet according to their specific dietary needs…