The UK government should extend its sugar tax beyond soft drinks to cover all types of foods, according to a major new report published this week.
The Transforming UK Food Systems Programme (TUKFS) study, entitled ‘Regulatory Tools for a Healthy and Sustainable Diet, highlights how the existing soft drinks levy has reduced sugar content in beverages by 44 per cent, and suggests a similar approach expanded across all food types could help tackle the UK’s obesity crisis.
Introducing a new salt levy, similar to the sugar tax, is another proposal put forward in a comprehensive set of recommended regulations, which are suggested not only to transform public health in the UK but also to deliver nationwide environmental benefits.
Professor Chris Hilson, lead author of the report at the University of Reading, said, “Extending the sugar tax to all processed foods is vital.
"The current levy has successfully cut sugar in soft drinks, but we need to see the same success with products like milkshakes, biscuits, yogurts and breakfast cereals to improve public health.
"Mandatory measures on the food sector, such as a salt tax, should be considered by MPs.
“Stronger regulations on the wider food sector could mean a healthier environment, as well as a healthier population.
"Setting targets for reducing red and processed meat consumption is one way the government can reduce the UK’s climate impact, while also cutting the risk of cancer.”
The report calls for more stringent regulations for the food sector and a move away from the current approach, which relies more on voluntary measures.
The authors argue that such measures, such as information labels on food packaging, have failed to address serious environmental damage and poor health outcomes at a population-wide scale.
The authors argue that stronger policies would also support economic goals rather than hinder them, as a healthy environment and workforce are essential for long-term growth.
Other recommendations include setting sectoral greenhouse gas targets for agriculture, adding dairy and beef farms to environmental permitting schemes and requiring large food businesses to report on their sales of unhealthy products.
Professor Christine Riefa, University of Reading, commented, “The report offers a comprehensive menu of regulatory tools to transform the UK’s food landscape.
“Voluntary approaches have not worked, and we are now in a crisis state. Companies and farmers who want to do better are undermined by those who profit from ignoring health and environmental concerns.”
Professor Chris Hilson added, “Stronger regulation would support economic growth and national security. We can’t produce food without healthy soils, thriving pollinators and a stable climate, and no economy benefits from a population made sick by poor diets.”
The report comes as the government prepares its food strategy and 25-year farming roadmap, which is expected to be revealed later this year.
