The much-delayed report has been highly criticised by bodies and campaigners from across the industry for its ‘missed opportunities’ and lack of ‘robust action’.
Andy Jones, chair of the PS100, said: “After the much delayed but eagerly anticipated childhood obesity strategy, I welcome these small first steps, but am highly disappointed the strategy has not been more robust.
“The government has missed an opportunity to set the nation’s health and well-being for generations to come. Yes, it’s pleasing to see some of the strategy, like the Ofsted review of healthy eating in primary schools, but what was needed was to include ALL schools up to sixth forms.
“The biggest disappointment is around the limitations on shops/outlets and advertising, this is where the issues need to be tackled and the government seem to have listened to industry more than the issues that is staring them in the face. The impact on the NHS is not going to be reduced with this strategy.
“As Chair of the PS100, I feel it’s now an opportunity for the PS100 to lead from the front and come together to formulate a strategy for the public sector and deliver this for the health of the whole nation, to work with our supply partners to implement radical changes, to self govern our own industry and to deliver food and drink that is balanced and enhances the well being of our customers not only with what we offer but to also educate them and their families.
“By taking this stance we can then put pressure on the government to revitalise the weak strategy released today. The Public Sector is unique in that we are the only sector which covers people lives from being born in the NHS, to being at school and further education, to serving in the armed forces, to prisons, to social care, so we have the power to make change happen and we have to, as this strategy is too weak to make a real impact.
“The government seems to be focused on the sugar tax and rightly so, but we are fooling ourselves if we all think the same, and that this is the answer.”
To read a full breakdown of the childhood obesity strategy, click here, and to read all of the industry reaction, click here.