Health and Vitality
Will a ‘dream’ to tax unhealthy food become a reality?
Given the nature of her public statements, the industry shouldn’t be surprised if, in a review commissioned by the government, England’s chief medical officer recommends the taxing of unhealthy foods, writes David Burrows. Health secretary Matt Hancock has commissioned England’s…
48% of diners confused by labelling rules for allergens
Only 52% of diners looking for allergen information understand the labelling regulations, according to new research. When quizzed about the rules, 23% thought the labelling regulations for food that is freshly prepped and packaged in a food outlet for direct…
Sugar tax is “working”
Sales of sugar-free drinks are up, whilst those with full sugar are in decline. What’s more, new sugar-free variants of popular drinks have gained distribution in major retailers. “The soft drinks industry levy is working,” wrote Jack Winkler and Tam…
Stressed out hospitality workers wouldn’t recommend the sector
More than four out of five (84%) hospitality workers have reported increased stress, whilst 45% would not recommend working in the sector. The new research, “Service with(out) a smile”, published by the Royal Society for Public Health, also showed that…
Healthy eating rules must apply to all, says Greggs boss
Small businesses should not be exempt from any new laws to tackle obesity, according to Roger Whiteside, chief executive at Greggs. “The temptation with regulation is to hit the big guys but we [Greggs] are less than 2% of the…
Chefs need mental health support, survey finds
More than eight in 10 people (81%) working in professional kitchens have experienced poor mental health during their careers, with 74% having called in sick due to stress. The survey of 102 chefs, conducted by Nestlé Professional, found that staff…
Will small firms be exempt from calorie labelling rules?
Businesses with fewer than 250 staff will be exempt from new rules to list calories on menus. “It isn’t about telling people what to eat, it’s about helping them make their own choices,” a government source told The Sun. “There’s…
Dishing up data on digital marketing
Online marketing of unhealthy products needs to be tightened up, according to the World Health Organisation, but the UK food industry doesn’t agree. Children in Europe are still “regularly exposed to digital marketing of many unhealthy products”, including foods high…
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…
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…