Sustain has welcomed Public Health England's new Eatwell guide, which has removed junk food as "not an essential part of a balanced diet". It is also the first time that the guidance has considred its impact on sustainability.
In response to the relaunched ‘Eatwell’ dietary guidance from Government, Ben Reynolds, Deputy Coordinator of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming commented: “ The revisions to government advice on what constitutes a healthy and sustainable diet are welcome. The new guidance clearly shows that chocolates, crisps and junk food are not an essential part of a balanced diet but rather a treat on the side. We welcome the recognition that diet has an impact beyond health, and that what we eat, and how that food is produced, affects things such as climate change.”
“The Guide's recommendations are the flip side to yesterday's announcement by the Chancellor of a sugary drinks tax, recognising the importance of hydration but that we should limit drinks with a high sugar content. Manufacturers and brands now need to shift their marketing budgets to better reflect these new guidelines, rather than continue to push high fat, salt, sugar products way in excess of their recommended consumption."
Clare Oxborrow, chair of Eating Better, which Sustain supports, added:
“We welcome the steps PHE has taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from diets in its revision of the Eatwell guide, and its recommendation to reduce processed and red meat consumption and eat more beans & pulses. More could be done to fully integrate sustainability into the UK's dietary guidelines – but this is a good start.”
“With 6 out of 10 men and 1 in 3 women already consuming more processed and red meat than is good for their health, there are win-wins for health as well as for the planet in providing the public with this advice.”
“With 6 out of 10 men and 1 in 3 women already consuming more processed and red meat than is good for their health, there are win-wins for health as well as for the planet in providing the public with this advice.”
Published Thursday 17 March 2016
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.
