A lack of basic, transparent data within the food industry is hindering progress towards a sustainable food system, according to new Food Foundation research. In its latest Plating Up Progress report, the charity called for the government to establish clear metrics that businesses are required to report against on indicators such as sustainable food production…

The quality of public sector food is back in the spotlight after an investigation by the BBC’s Countryfile programme highlighted fears of widespread non-compliance with government standards. Drawing on evidence from the ongoing environment, food and rural affairs (EFRA) committee inquiry into public sector food, the programme highlighted loopholes that allow procurement rules to be…

Thousands of entrepreneurs have started food collection and delivery businesses during the coronavirus pandemic driven in large parts by financial insecurity. Over 9,000 takeaway food shops and mobile food stands were established during 2020, according to research published by The Accountancy Partnership.  Over 600 new food businesses were created by Britons on furlough, while 1,450…

MPs are calling for the government to immediately scrap its plans to require calorie labels on food in restaurants, cafés, and takeaways due to fears they could exacerbate eating disorders. A report by the House of Commons women and equalities committee expressed concern that mandatory calorie labelling would contribute to a growth in eating disorders…

Suppliers to the foodservice and hospitality sector should receive urgent government support ahead of the reopening of the sector, a committee of MPs has said. Money to support consumer-facing hospitality businesses would be “wasted” if the government does not aid suppliers who have not received the level of financial support offered to the pubs, bars…

Around 100 health campaigners have called on the prime minister to follow through on plans to remove junk food adverts from online platforms and social media amid reports that the policy is due to be axed. The Sun recently reported that a proposed ban was to be scrapped, quoting government insiders as saying its impact…

Farms could significantly lower antibiotic use by adopting organic standards for animal welfare, new research has found. A survey, commissioned by the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics (ASOS), found that overall antibiotic use per livestock unit by farmers certified by the Soil Association was four times lower than the national average. For dairy farms it…

The first press release came in on March 26th. In it, Sainsbury’s announced the removal of 18.5m plastic straws from its own brand range of lunchbox juice cartons. “Widely recyclable” paper straws will be used instead. It is a “huge achievement” said Claire Hughes, director of product and innovation at Sainsbury’s. Yesterday, March 31st, another…

Members of the Cool Food Pledge cut greenhouse gas emissions by 4.6% overall and 12% per plate between 2015 and 2019. New data from those involved in the pledge – a group of 31 restaurants, cities, hospitals and companies that have committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions associated with the food they serve by 25%…

There are no clear agreements on what features make food more or less processed, according to research by the University of Surrey and the European Food Information Council. Classification systems that categorise foods according to their “level of processing” have been used to predict diet quality and health outcomes, inform guidelines and in product development.…