An alliance of high street brands launch a voluntary Code of Practice that includes a sugar reduction target of 20 per cent, as set out in the Childhood Obesity Plan.
The Alliance committing to this voluntary Code of Practice includes: Caffè Nero, Costa, Greggs, McDonald’s, Mitchells & Butlers, Pizza Hut Delivery, Premier Inn, Starbucks, Wetherspoons, and Whitbread Restaurants.
Each company in the alliance will aim to achieve Public Health England’s sugar reduction target of 20 per cent by 2020, as set out in the Childhood Obesity Plan.
However, skeptics have already pointed out that this may be too little too late. Adding that these targets are not mandatory, nor is compliance to them measured or policed.
Ben Reynolds,Deputy CEO of food charity Sustain, said:
“We welcome any action to reduce sugar and improve the healthiness of food and drink on our high street. Providing clear information for consumers and nudging children particularly towards healthier choices is great, but it’s taken almost a full year to respond to the government’s obesity plan and this code is still voluntary. How will we know if they actually put it into practice and if it works?
“We look forward to seeing more detail on actions the industry are going to take – will they, for example, make unhealthy options like sugary drinks more expensive than healthier alternatives?”
The alliance also commits to work with trade associations and other industry bodies to lead the industry forward. Yet, the Campaign for Better Hospital Food is frustrated by the rate of change.
Katherine, Campaign for Better Hospital Food Coordinator, said:
"Whilst we welcome this action from retailers, shops in hospitals already have their sugary drink sales capped at 10 per cent of total sales - with a complete ban coming into place in July this year.
"The industry may be congratulating itself today, but in fact it is already being outpaced by events. High street brands need to do more, and they need to do it faster."
Published Wednesday 17 January 2018
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
