The Department of Health has launched its Obesity Strategy including a challenge to consumers to reduce their Calorie consumption by 100 calories per day. As part of the Responsibility Deal the Department is expecting the Food Industry (including Hospitality) to play its part by producing less energy dense foods, reducing portion sizes and increasing uptake of fruit and vegetables. A Calorie reduction pledge is currently awaiting approval by Ministers and at the latest Food and Service Management Forum, Richard Ciencela the Deputy Director for Health Improvement at DH asked companies to become early adopters of the Calorie pledge and demonstrate leadership.
Two more meetings have been held with members jointly with DH to discuss the proposed salt pledge for caterers. There is substantial interest in signing the pledge which allows the flexibility needed given the complexity of the food service sector.