New report reviewing evidence-based interventions for the UK food environment launched at Online Summit today.
The British Nutrition Foundation have today launched the report Beyond Ultra-Processed Foods: A Review of Evidence-Based Interventions for the UK Food Environment. The report calls for a renewed focus on practical, evidence-based actions to improve the UK’s food environment, moving beyond the ongoing debate around ultra-processed foods (UPFs). It highlights clear, actionable steps for retailers, manufacturers and the out-of-home sector to support healthier diets at scale, without removing consumer choice.
To mark the launch, the Foundation is holding an Online Summit bringing together experts from across academia, public health and industry.
The event, chaired by Prof Giles Yeo and featuring a keynote speech from Henry Dimbleby, explored how stakeholders can translate evidence into action, share best practice and accelerate progress toward a healthier, more sustainable UK food system.
Report Executive Summary
The UK faces a significant public health challenge. Poor diets and an obesogenic food environment are driving rising rates of overweight and obesity, with over one-third of children affected by the time they are in Year 6 (aged 10-11 years), alongside 64% of adults. Dietary intakes of saturated fat, free sugars and salt remain above recommendations, while fibre, fish and fruit and vegetable consumption fall short. Less than 1% of the population adheres to all of the recommendations made in the UK’s healthy eating model the Eatwell Guide. These trends contribute to increased risk of chronic diseases, reduced life expectancy and escalating healthcare costs. The food environment, not only individual choices, is central to both the problem and solution.
The link between ultra-processed foods and health has dominated discussions on public health nutrition over recent years. There is a large body of observational evidence linking diets high in foods classified as ultra-processed with a range of poor health outcomes. But questions remain about the mechanisms by which these foods cause ill health. As the debate continues, action to improve diets should not wait for further research - the impact of poor diet quality on health is clear and must be addressed.
The purpose of this report, aimed at stakeholders with an interest in diet-related health, is to move beyond the debate on ultra-processed foods and to explore research on what the retail and out of home sectors can do now to support the UK population to have healthier foods and drinks. Our aim is to stimulate change within the food industry to create a healthier, more sustainable food environment for all.
The food environment - comprising retail and out-of-home (OOH) settings, with products produced by manufacturers being sold within both - strongly influences consumer choices. Current UK environments are often dominated by foods high in fat, sugars or salt (HFSS), which are widely available, particularly in deprived areas. Addressing these structural drivers is central to achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals and the UK Government Food Strategy.
Download the full report here:
About the British Nutrition Foundation
Connecting people, food and science for better nutrition and healthier lives
The British Nutrition Foundation is a charity that strives to prevent diet-related illness and promote health and wellbeing through evidence-based nutrition science. It provides a bridge between nutrition science, government, industry, healthcare, education and people, and is a conduit to a healthier, more sustainable food environment for all.
The British Nutrition Foundation’s team is made up of highly qualified and experienced nutrition scientists and educators who work to disseminate evidence-based peer reviewed research findings which: support industry strategy and healthy, sustainable product innovation; inform government policy and regulations; and help people build their knowledge, skills and confidence in making positive, food and lifestyle choices to help prevent illness and disease and promote health and wellbeing.
We safeguard our independence through robust governance, with an independent Board supported by an Advisory Committee and a Scientific Committee, both of which draw upon a broad range of experts from academia, government, industry, and public life. Our governance is weighted towards the scientific community, universities, and research institutes, and those from education, finance, media, communications, and HR backgrounds.
Funding for the British Nutrition Foundation is from membership subscriptions; donations; project grants from food producers and manufacturers, retailers and food service companies; conferences; publications, training, trusts, and foundations. The British Nutrition Foundation is not a lobbying organisation, nor does it endorse any products or engage in food advertising campaigns.
More details about the British Nutrition Foundation’s work, funding and governance can be found here.
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Article by British Nutrition Foundation