We are aware that the British Nutrition Foundation has been mentioned in a Daily Mail article and a related journal article in Future Health, in relation to the funding we receive from the food industry, in particular, companies which produce foods classified as ultra-processed.
The British Nutrition Foundation’s purpose is to promote health and wellbeing and prevent diet-related ill health through evidence-based nutrition science. We do this by providing a bridge between nutrition science, government, industry, education and people, and working collaboratively with these groups to build a healthier, more sustainable food environment.
As a nutrition charity working with the food industry, our work has the potential to influence change at scale and we work with organisations from across the industry, including many of the UK’s best-known retailers, manufacturers and out of home companies.
We receive funding from multiple different sources, including research bodies, trusts and foundations and other charitable sources and the companies we collaborate with contribute funding for important nutrition science work that is vital in informing decisions about product formulation, shopping and eating habits and behaviour change, to move us towards a healthier and sustainable food environment for all.
The importance of working together with food companies to improve the nation’s health has been underlined by the recent Government announcement of a new Healthy Food Standard to be developed in partnership with supermarkets and the wider food industry alongside mandatory reporting of healthier sales. This approach was called for by the British Nutrition Foundation and by major retailers and has been welcomed by UK health charities.
We do not lobby for, or endorse products, nor do we allow government, commercial or campaigning organisations to influence our work in publishing or disseminating information. Our Scientific Committee provides an additional layer of scrutiny of the positions that we take on topical or contested issues in nutrition science.
About the British Nutrition Foundation
Connecting people, food and science for better nutrition and healthier lives
The British Nutrition Foundation is a registered charity that provides impartial, evidence-based information about food and nutrition. We translate nutrition science in engaging and actionable ways, working extensively with people in academia, health care, education, communications and the food system, for public benefit.
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