Food companies have announced a new cap on calories in confectionery as the sector prepares to come under the cosh alongside fizzy drinks in today’s announcements around the impact of sugar on obesity.
With the SACN report on carbohydrates predicted to find that there is a strong link between excess sugar consumption and obesity, DH experts are drawing up a list of prime target areas for action.
The Grocer understands fizzy drinks high in sugar, including carbonated drinks, energy drinks and juices will be singled out as an area where Public Health England wants ministers to take action.
However, the report is also likely to name foodstuffs including confectionery, biscuits and baking products for a list of potential actions, including mandatory reformulation targets or even a sugar tax.
But The Grocer understands the PHE report on actions to reduce sugar consumption, which will come out to coincide with the draft SACN report, will also praise the work the industry has done to reformulate products voluntarily.
And sources in the industry said they were confident that by ramping up voluntary measures, they could stave off calls by Action on Sugar and other health groups for taxation.
“We are pleased to announce that following discussions with the Secretary of State for Health, FDF members have agreed to implement a 250kcal cap on individually wrapped single service confectionery items sold in retail with the aim to complete this work in 2015 or spring 2016 at the latest,” said an FDF spokesman.
“Since 2010 billions of individual wrapped single serve products have been/are being reformulated and /or reduced.”
In May, Mondelez International announced it was bringing in a 250kcal cap on all single-serve products following a move by Mars in 2010.
The Grocer revealed earlier this month that the industry had held talks about a collective commitment but many have expressed doubts that the new pledge will go far enough to satisfy campaigners, who are expected to launch an attack today on the voluntary action of food and drink companies and the SACN process, including the links between its committee members and the industry.
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