Manufacturers have reacted with dismay to plans announced yesterday by the Food Standards Agency to cut portion sizes of chocolate and fizzy drinks in the body’s latest controversial move to boost public health.

The FSA yesterday launched a consultation over plans to cut the use of sugar and saturated fats in food and introduce smaller portion sizes to give consumers more choice.

FSA dietary health director Gill Fine said: “We recognise the excellent work already achieved by some food businesses to make healthier eating easier but to make even greater progress it’s important everybody gets behind our recommendations on saturated fat, added sugar and portion sizes.

“What we are not doing is telling people what to eat. We want to make it easier for people to make healthier choices – to choose foods with reduced saturated fat and sugar – or smaller portion sizes.”

But the Food & Drink Federation criticised the body’s plans for focusing on a narrow range of products.

“We are pleased that the FSA has recognised the considerable work undertaken by our members,” said FDF communications director Julian Hunt. “But we are disappointed that it appears to remain committed to setting arbitrary targets for specific nutrients in certain foods, rather than focusing on the need for everyone to achieve a balanced diet and lifestyle.”

He added: “[Our] members have been rising to this particular challenge for a number of years and are now leading the world when it comes to developing new products, and refreshing old favourites, so they are lower in saturated fat or energy.”