DT News - UK - Food industry bodies ask for delay in junk food advertising reform

Dental Tribune UK

Wed. 20 February 2019

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LONDON, UK: More than 30 food industry trade bodies have sent a letter to Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, asking for any non-Brexit-related reforms to be paused until the drama surrounding the Brexit negotiations ceases. Among these policies is an attempt to curb the advertising of high-sugar products, leading the British Dental Association (BDA) to accuse the British food industry of using Brexit to block any action on this issue.

The letter outlined how the British food industry is focused on mitigating the consequences of the potential catastrophe of a no-deal Brexit and resultantly has little time or resources to address other policy issues.

“At this moment of potential crisis, it cannot be ‘business as usual’ within government,” the letter says.

“Neither we nor our members have the physical resources nor organisational bandwidth to engage with and properly respond to non-Brexit-related policy consultations or initiatives at this time. Government has recruited many extra staff; we cannot,” it continues.

However, the BDA questioned whether the letter was merely a delaying tactic by the food industry regarding the publication of proposals on such topics as the advertising of high-sugar foods and drinks.

“Junk food barons can’t get away with using Brexit as a get-out clause for action on sugar,” said Chair of the BDA’s Principal Executive Committee Dr Mick Armstrong.

“Sugar is fuelling epidemics of tooth decay and obesity, that are stretching our health services to breaking point. Concrete action on advertising and reformulation, is long overdue. Ministers must not let shameless lobbyists kick the can any further down the road,” he added.

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