Feb

22

New child obesity stats inform UK strategy - FoodQualityNews.com- Childhood Obesity News

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The country last month launched a major ₤372m programme to combat obesity , with measures including partnering with the food industry to develop and market healthier food, encouraging physical activity, and education of adults and children. A key feature of the obesity strategy is the Healthy Food Code of Practice, which includes a proposal for the adoption of one simple and consistent nutritional labelling scheme for all foods. The code will also lay down a challenge to industry (not just food manufacturers, but also restaurants and other food outlets) to support individuals and families reduce consumption of saturated fat, sugar and salt. The Department of Health announced today that 80 per cent of the country’s four to ten year olds were weighed and measured in 2006-7 - an increase of 32 per cent on the previous year. Finally, local authorities are to be given planning powers to limit the number of fast food outlets in particular areas, such as in the vicinity of schools and parks. Julian Hunt, communications director of the UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said the body is pleased that the government is prepared to forge a genuine partnership with industry - something it the FDF has been calling for a long time. Read Childhood Obesity

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