Global manufacturer Danone is calling on the UK Government to implement higher taxes on foods that contain an excessive amount of fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS). Danone, the French company which owns leading brands such as Actimel, Volvic, and Evian, believes that food firms in the UK have not demonstrated enough willingness to change.
James Mayer, President of Danone UK and Ireland, highlighted that “the UK food industry’s efforts to improve the health profile of its products have not moved fast enough.” He emphasized that the government should take “meaningful intervention,” as there is a pressing need to address rising rates of obesity in the UK.
Danone has taken positive steps to reformulate several of its products, resulting in a UK product range that boasts a 90% non-HFSS portfolio. Danone’s efforts indicate the potential for wider industry change. Mayer asserts that it is time for the Government to move from a policy of caution to one where policymakers set clear parameters for the industry and consumers regarding what constitutes a healthy product.
Mayer suggests that this can only be achieved if the Government incentivizes the industry to move towards healthier and sustainable products. The process will involve action such as the introduction of restrictions on advertising HFSS products, VAT rate alignment based on product health credentials, and faster food and beverage data sharing and transparency.
Danone does not want overall shopping prices to increase. Its proposal aims to place tax increases that would deter shoppers from making unhealthy choices. A well-implemented taxation strategy would impact changes in consumer behaviour and protect public health.
The Department of Health and Social Care has also taken firm action towards addressing unhealthy foods, including restricting the location of foods that contain an excessive amount of fat, sugar, or salt. Their sugar reduction programme has seen a significant decrease in sugar content in foods consumed by children.
Implementing solutions that demonstrate meaningful and consistent government intervention will inspire the food industry to create healthier, sustainable, and affordable food choices. And it’s time for every industry player to take a proverbial page out of Danone’s playbook.
