Health campaigners have urged independent retailers to act “in the spirit of” long-awaited changes to a key food classification system.
In late January, the Government published the outcome of a consultation held eight years ago over the UK Nutrient Profiling Model (UKNPM).
The latest document updated the core guidance used in classifying food products for various purposes, including defining the scope of advertising and placement laws.
Although the changes revealed in January will still go out to further consultation before coming into force, experts say they represent a key milestone for the sector.
“This is a technical tweak to the engine room that shapes UK policy on advertising and promotions [of certain foods],” said Beth Bradshaw, policy lead at the Obesity Health Alliance.
“We believe it is fundamental as it underpins important legislation we would like to see strengthened and improved.”
Bradshaw said the updated model, if put into policy, would turn the spotlight on “more ultra-processed foods that people are concerned about and more products containing lots of sugar”.
But she described the ongoing delay translating the landmark 2015 SACN review (see box-out) into firm policy as “very frustrating” and added that there has been “a lot of lobbying from the food and drink industry”.
New laws came into force in January banning advertisement of “less healthy” food and drink on TV before 9pm and, when paid for, at any time online. Meanwhile, separate legislation restricts the promotion of such products by price or positioning.
Bradshaw noted the exemptions available to many small producers and retailers under these rules.
But she added, “We all have a role to play. We are facing a huge issue in the rise in obesity at primary age that will be carried into adulthood.
“Independent retailers can think about ways they can support customers to access healthier options.
“They know their customers and there is clear demand for healthier food. It is important to be aware of the shift in consumer demand and health consciousness.”
She added: “Just because policies don’t apply to a small business doesn’t mean it can’t act in the spirit of them by making small changes to recipes or stores.”
Guild of Fine Food managing director John Farrand backed the Government’s announcement on the UKNPM.
But he added: “It is deeply disappointing to see the glacial pace with which things have progressed thus far.
“For too long, the juggernauts of the food industry have been able to get away with clever marketing to cover up their lack of meaningful action, while small producers and independent retailers have had to pour precious resources into defending what is fundamentally good food.”
This article first appeared in the March issue of Fine Food Digest.
