The UK’s Food & Drink Federation (FDF) has launched a “manifesto” to highlight what it claims is “the strategic importance of the food and drink manufacturing sector to the UK economy”. In a speech this evening, Ross Warburton, president of the FDF, will call on Government to make a public commitment that a successful food manufacturing sector will be a “strategic priority”. Warburton will look to challenge politicians to stop taking the food and drink... ...Read more »

The food sector in the UK has come in for criticism from a research committee for a lack of transparency when it comes to nanotechnology. The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee said that the food industry had “(failed) to be transparent about its research into the uses of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials”, a claim denied by the sector. In their report, Nanotechnologies and Food, the Committee noted that transparency and honesty are key components for ensuring public trust... ...Read more »

The leading representative of food and beverage manufacturers in the UK has expressed disappointment with the outcome of the UN’s conference on climate change summit due to the lack of certainty for the future. “In common with many other sectors, UK food and drink manufacturers were looking to Copenhagen to set a clear and legally binding framework for concerted and equitable international action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the development of new low carbon technologies... ...Read more »

UK food and drink manufacturers have reduced their carbon emissions by 19% since 1990 – the equivalent of one million tonnes of CO2 – according to a new report published by the Food and Drink Federation. FDF members have committed to reducing their CO2 emissions by 20% by 2010 against a 1990 baseline. The new figures – the latest available under the Climate Change Agreement with Government – show they are well on track to achieving that goal. The data also suggests that FDF... ...Read more »

Almost 500,000 cubic metres of water – equivalent to nearly 200 Olympic swimming pools – has already been saved as thirty six of the UK’s leading food and drink manufacturers report their first full year progress on the voluntary Federation House Commitment (FHC) on water efficiency.This marks the sector’s first step towards achieving a 20% reduction in water use by 2020 compared to 2007, working with sustainability experts Envirowise who jointly launched the initiative with... ...Read more »

The UK’s Food Standards Agency has today published revised, voluntary salt reduction targets for industry to meet by 2012 – offering more challenging targets to the food industry. The revision has been set for 80 categories of foods, to ensure continued momentum in reducing salt levels is maintained by food retailers and manufacturers, the food standards body advised. Around 75% of the salt consumed is already in everyday foods, the FSA said, with the targets being set for foods that... ...Read more »

The issue of preventative health was a key topic of discussion on day one of the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s Highlands Senior Executive Forum 2009*, currently taking place at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove in Queensland. Melanie Leech, Director General of the UK Food and Drink Federation (FDF) – which represents the UK’s food and beverage manufacturers, told delegates how industry and Government were working together in the UK toward improving the health of the nation. “Health... ...Read more »

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said that current food advertising guidelines are beginning to have a positive impact and decided against scrapping a protein cap, which is currently used in determining what foods are advertised during children’s TV shows. The FSA Board agreed that the Nutrient Profiling model, which dictates what products can be promoted to children without incurring the wrath of advertising regulator Ofcom, was working effectively. In particular, the protein cap, which... ...Read more »

The strides made forward in attempts to combat obesity may be undermined by the recession, according to the findings of a survey by the leading UK consumer group. The survey found 24% of Brits are making healthier eating less of a priority in the wake of the financial crisis as over half (56%) report price has become a more important factor when choosing food since the crisis began. The survey by ‘Which?’ coincides with their publication of Hungry for Change?, a report by the consumer... ...Read more »

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a public health campaign to raise awareness of the health risks of eating too much saturated fat, with the food industry reporting that they are keen to continue improving in this area. The UK is currently eating 20% more saturated fat than UK Government recommendations, according to the Agency. The campaign will promote a range of simple, positive and practical steps to help improve our health and reduce the risk of developing diet-related illness. The... ...Read more »