Food reformulation programmes targeting salt and calories look set to be axed following the government’s U-turn on making reporting of key health metrics mandatory.

Footprint reported earlier this month that plans to force food businesses in England to share data on key health metrics have been shelved, marking a further retreat from policies that are perceived to add extra cost to businesses.

“Our ministers were really clear that in the context of the current cost of living crisis and continued pressure on businesses and consumers with rising food prices, they didn’t want to do anything that would add to the burden on businesses,” said Sean Povey, deputy director, diet, obesity and healthy behaviours at DHSC, at the recent Westminster Forum.

The Grocer has now reported that while salt, sugar and fat content of products are likely to be included in new voluntary reporting requirements, existing targets on salt and calories could be “sidelined” if companies buy into the new reporting regime.

The health working group of the FDTP, tasked with formulating key health metrics, is made up exclusively of businesses, including foodservice and hospitality firms Pret, Deliveroo, Compass, KFC and Mitchells & Butlers. Danone, PepsiCo and Sainsbury’s are among the others involved.

Some sources said the government’s new approach amounts to a re-hash of the failed responsibility deal. 

“The ‘healthier’ metrics have been drawn up by industry and we know that industry-led voluntary targets to tackle obesity – like the 20% sugar reduction target – don’t deliver the pace of change of scale we need to see,” said Ali Morpeth, a registered public health nutritionist.

The foodservice sector has in particular been criticised by campaigners, supermarkets and the government for a lack of engagement with such voluntary-led schemes.

The latest U-turn on mandatory reporting follows delays to other policies seen as key to curbing obesity and increasing availability of healthy, affordable food.