Foodservice News and Information

Hospitals threaten sugary drinks ban and set low-calorie food targets
NHS England has said it will ban sugary drinks in hospitals unless firms can dramatically reduce sales. The move is part of a package of new rules that will also force on-site outlets to sell fewer unhealthy options. Suppliers have…
McDonald’s ‘zero hours’ staff to be offered fixed contracts
All 115,000 staff at McDonald’s will be offered a choice between remaining on a flexible, zero-hours contract or moving to a fixed position that guarantees four, eight, 16 or 30 hours per week. The fast food chain’s UK boss Paul…
Tax evasion top reason for brand boycotts
Tax avoidance and evasion (48%) is why most UK consumers will shun a brand, but poor treatment of staff (40%) and “cover ups” (40%) are not far behind. Boycotts on the back of faulty products or recalls are less likely…
Parties urged to spell out food vision
Trade bodies and charities have called on political parties to put food at the heart of their campaigns following Theresa May’s decision to call a snap general election on 8 June. Responses from the sector reflected the diversity of issues…
Demand for ethical chicken not being met
Production of chickens farmed to high welfare standards is not keeping pace with demand for ethical meat, according to new research. The survey from RSPCA Assured found that despite 86% of consumers saying chicken should be produced ethically, in reality…
US sugar tax stems consumption
Results from a US sugar tax have shown a near 10% fall in sales of sugary soft drinks in the twelve months following its introduction. Research published in the journal Plos Medicine showed that sales of sugary drinks in Berkeley,…
Litter strategy swerves action on coffee cups
Defra has unveiled a wide ranging littering strategy which will see heavier fines for the worst offenders and more bins placed in public places; but it has chosen not to take direct action to reduce the number of coffee cups…
UK explodes myth of climate action damaging economy
The UK is leading other developed nations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the same time as growing its economy, new research has found. A report by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) found that in the quarter century…
Pensions expert to lead FSA
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has appointed a new chief executive to replace outgoing leader Catherine Brown. Jason Feeney stepped up from his role as chief operating officer on April 11. He joined the FSA in January 2015 having worked…
BHA launches drive to recruit UK workers
The hospitality industry has launched a new plan to reduce its dependence on EU workers in the wake of Brexit. The British Hospitality Association’s ten year strategy focuses on encouraging three distinct sections of the UK population to find work…