Out of Home News Analysis

  • Health leads the charge for data transparency

    Health leads the charge for data transparency

    While Defra gets bogged down in the minutiae of environmental data, a conference heard how mandatory reporting of healthy food sales is powering ahead. By Nick Hughes. Steady as she goes. When Boris Johnson’s government launched the food data transparency… Read More

  • COMMENT: Can food strategy survive Defra reshuffle?

    COMMENT: Can food strategy survive Defra reshuffle?

    The loss of a minister with deep knowledge of the food system is a blow for a department which has again been denied the continuity it badly needs, says Nick Hughes. The Defra ministerial merry-go-round has swung back into action.… Read More

  • Has fibre’s moment finally arrived?

    Has fibre’s moment finally arrived?

    For years food businesses have made protein the focus of health innovation and marketing but there are signs of a shift in focus towards a key, but under-consumed nutrient. By Nick Hughes. Spend a few minutes scanning the packaging in… Read More

  • THE FRIDAY DIGEST: Less meat, more chicken and much to do at Defra

    THE FRIDAY DIGEST: Less meat, more chicken and much to do at Defra

    “Many people feel alone in their desire to eat less meat,” explained Eating Better executive director Sarah Wakefield as she revealed the findings of the alliance’s public attitudes survey this week. The survey of 1,733 people showed two-thirds of are… Read More

  • Reynolds and Eagle land in Defra

    Reynolds and Eagle land in Defra

    A Cabinet reshuffle has resulted in changes to the ministerial team at a crucial time for food, nature and environment regulations. By David Burrows. Emma Reynolds is the new secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs following Prime… Read More

  • PLASTICS PACKAGE: Water pollution and watered down targets 

    PLASTICS PACKAGE: Water pollution and watered down targets 

    Reports of dirty tricks to clean up ‘natural’ water expose far-reaching problems, while a drinks giant scales back its packaging commitments. By David Burrows. “Microplastics are present in all beverages, but those packaged in glass bottles contain more microplastic particles than… Read More

  • THE FRIDAY DIGEST: Fewer nitrites, more plants in schools please

    THE FRIDAY DIGEST: Fewer nitrites, more plants in schools please

    In a week when children in England excitedly/reluctantly/mercifully (delete as appropriate) returned to the classroom, today’s Digest fittingly carries a school food theme. First comes news that the majority of state-run schools are routinely serving up nitrite-cured meats like ham… Read More

  • POLITICAL PRINT: Making the most of a Brexit breakthrough

    POLITICAL PRINT: Making the most of a Brexit breakthrough

    A willingness to confront difficult policy issues head-on is one way Labour can distinguish itself from an ascendant Reform, says Nick Hughes. As MPs returned to Westminster on Monday following a red-hot summer there was no doubting who had set… Read More

  • Buckwheat and lentils: meet the next generation of food allergens

    Buckwheat and lentils: meet the next generation of food allergens

    Growing adoption of plant-based diets helps explain why more people are suffering serious reactions to non-regulated allergens. Nick Hughes reports. Is allergens regulation keeping pace with our changing diets, and in particular the rise of plant-based eating? That was the… Read More

  • THE FRIDAY DIGEST: Water a priority for Reed as farm inspections rise

    THE FRIDAY DIGEST: Water a priority for Reed as farm inspections rise

    “One of my key pillars for a profitable farming industry is helping the [farming] sector withstand shocks from extreme weather and climate change. To do this, we must adapt for the future and that includes changing how we work with… Read More