Press Release

Thursday 24 January 2008

FPH supports new fat fighting strategy

 

Faculty of Public Health President, Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, welcomed the cross-government's new strategy to tackle obesity – Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives – which recognises that measures to reduce obesity levels extend beyond individual choice about diet and exercise.

The food industry pays a powerful role in the obesity agenda, and the FPH welcomes the introduction of a ‘Healthy Food Code of Good Practice' for the industry. But, as Professor Maryon-Davis highlights: “We've been here before. Government needs to take a strong lead in setting robust targets for fat, salt and sugar reduction and not give in to industry pressure. This should also extend to implementing a 9pm watershed for advertising junk food to children. “

Despite huge support for the watershed, Ofcom have deferred their decision on implementation until they have completed a review. “We welcome the government's pressure to bring forward the review, and hope they'll continue to press Ofcom to reach a timely decision.” said Professor Maryon-Davis.

“We also hope that the strategy will provide the added momentum it promises in getting agreement on a system of effective statutory food labelling. This will be of great benefit in showing what the truly ‘healthy options' are, and allow people to make their food choices based on clearly communicated messages,” he added.

Ends

Notes to editors

  1. For further information contact:
    Lindsey Stewart
    Policy and Communication
    Faculty of Public Health
    T: 020 7935 3115.

    Interviews can be arranged with FPH President , Prof Alan Maryon-Davis.
  2. The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) is an authoritative public health body which maintains and improves standards in the public health workforce to improve the health of the population. For further information visit the FPH website: www.fph.org.uk
  3. The FPH and the National Heart Forum and have produced a toolkit for developing a local strategy to tackle overweight and obesity in children and adults. Lightening the load: tackling obesity is available at www.fph.org.uk and www.heartforum.org.uk
  4. The FPH has also produced a series of three position statements on nutritional issues: Sugar, Fat and Salt, which can are available on the FPH website.

 

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