National Food Strategy: a review of the UK food system
Food does more than influence our health and wellbeing – it characterises who we are, shapes our landscape and provides jobs. I’m proud to say that I am part of the UK’s food industry, and if you are reading this blog, chances are, you are one of my fellow one in eight who earn a living from it too!
It may come as no surprise though to hear that intensive farming practises have taken their toll on the environment, whilst food related diseases are affecting the lives of millions and costing our NHS billions. Food sustainability is increasingly becoming a concern too and so, it is fantastic news to hear that government has announced the first major review in nearly 75 years, of Britain’s food system.
The independent review aims to investigate the entire food system, from field to fork, and consider what changes are needed to ensure that it:
- Delivers safe, healthy, affordable food, regardless of where people live or how much they earn;
- Is robust in the face of future shocks
- Restores and enhances the natural environment for the next generation;
- Is built upon a resilient and sustainable agriculture sector;
- Is a thriving contributor to our urban and rural economies, delivering well paid jobs and supporting innovative producers and manufacturers.
- Does all of this in an efficient and cost-effective way.
For the review to be shaped by the widest possible national engagement, it will involve chefs, farmers, retailers, policy makers and small businesses in addition to focus groups consisting of people with diet related diseases, families on low incomes as well as a citizens’ assembly and a young persons’ assembly.
Recommendations from this review, led by Henry Dimbleby, co-author of the government’s Childhood Obesity Plan, will result in a trailblazing new National Food Strategy, set to be published in 2020.
I’m sure you will agree – this is a great opportunity to review and improve the impact the food sector has on health, the environment and the economy.
AB Food Nutrition specialises in working closely on all aspects of nutrition labelling/policy with food businesses of all sizes and has years of experience supporting new and small food businesses not just in the North West, but across the UK. Contact Anne to discuss your requirements for a cost-effective food & nutrition labelling quote.