Today's Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum keynote seminar Tackling obesity in the new policy landscape - marketing, reformulation and implementing chapter 2 of the government's plan for action, 17th October 2018, presented a broad overview of the challenges faced by organisations both involved with, and affected by, government plans to halve childhood obesity by 2030.

 In March 2016, Public Health England published the Eatwell Guide, as a response to recommendations made by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) in their report on Carbohydrates and Health (2015).  Download the report here: https://bit.ly/1CGGi33

The purpose of the Guide is to define the government's advice on a healthy balanced diet, however it was not well received by the dairy or the meat industry, with both whole fat milk and red meat being recommended as foods to eat less of or avoid.  Hilary Ross, Executive Partner, London and Head of Retail, Food and Hospitality, DWF, cited the unforeseen consequences for the dairy industry (who saw cuts from 15% to 8%).

Dr Alison Tedstone, Deputy Director, Diet, Obesity and Physical Activity & Chief Nutritionist, Public Health England (PHE), provided an update on the Sugar Reduction programme, which PHE have been charged with developing.  Previous government initiatives, such as the Salt Reduction Programme (on which the Sugar Reduction Programme is based), have proved successful.  Dr Tedstone noted that the bread we consume is 40% less salty than it was 10 years ago, a benefit to public health which helps to reduce blood pressure, and the likelihood of stroke or heart disease.

Dr Tedstone reported that, since 2015, there has been a 7% reduction in the sugar levels in drinks.  However, progress has been slower in other areas.  Reducing the sugar in drinks is a relatively straightforward process.  Food producers are faced with the challenge of sourcing healthy sugar alternatives that have the same physical functionality as sugar, whilst preserving the taste and texture of the product.  Chocolate manufacturers have been experimenting with protein and fibre as alternatives.     

Hugo Harper, Principal Advisor on Health at The Behavioural Insights Team, highlighted the need for ultra-processed foods to be reviewed and possibly re-categorised as high in fat or salt or sugar (HFSS) foods. Whilst HFSS foods are recognised as contributing to obesity, today's debate delved deeper into underlying causes, such as portion size and calorie intake.  Dr Tedstone highlighted that portion sizes for the out of home sector remain an issue. 

Front of pack labelling aimed at educating consumers has been relatively unsuccessful.  Phil Dalton, Head of Regulatory at Sun Branding Solutions, advised that there is a lack of research into consumer understanding of food labelling but "The little that exists shows that understanding the language used in labelling helps to inform choices."  Mr Dalton emphasised the importance of clear and accessible information.

"It’s about helping consumers make better use of the information that is already provided.  If consumers understand how the language works, they can apply it to themselves.”

Phil Dalton, Head of Regulatory, Sun Branding Solutions

Changing Culture through Education and Integration

Dr Tedstone advised that Public Health England (PHE) are introducing The Whole Systems Obesity Programme, a new initiative based on programmes that have proved successful in Australia and Holland.  Currently, PHE are working with a number of Local Authorities to run pilots, aimed at supporting a whole systems approach at a local level.  For change to be effective, both behaviour and environment need to be considered.  PHE are looking to move away from a silo approach towards an integrated, tailored system that best suits the needs of individuals.  They are currently networking the Local Authorities to enable shared learning. 

City Hall have this month launched the London Child Obesity Taskforce.  Paul Lindley, the newly appointed Chair of the Taskforce, described the reality for the 1.5 million children living in London.  22% of children starting school in London are overweight or obese.  During the primary school years, this figure rises considerably, with 38.5% of children being overweight or obese at 11 years old.

In London, 17% of children quality for free school meals.  This alarmingly high figure illustrates the extent of economic inequality within the population of the city.  Research shows that children living in deprived areas are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese than those living in less deprived areas.  Mr Lindley emphasised the importance of remembering what lies behind the statistics.

"These are real human beings, these are children, these are families.”

Paul Lindley, Chair, London Child Obesity Taskforce

The aim of the taskforce is to unleash a transformation in London so that every child has a chance to grow up eating healthily.  They will seek to achieve this by co-creating an action plan with children and young people - ensuring the reality of their lives is central to its themes. Mr Lindley noted, "To be different, we need to be brave and radical.”

Tim Baker, Head Teacher at Charlton Manor School in London, shares this mindset.  Since 2005, the school have been pioneering innovative transformations in the curriculum and school environment, with a view to supporting a cultural change through education.  Delivering the National Curriculum through Food places food at the heart of the learning experience. 

Read our Case Study on Charlton Manor School here: https://bit.ly/2NVnMdy

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Caitriona Fitzsimons Digital Reporter