Danone’s CEO, Mayer, recently called for stronger government measures to address the consumption of unhealthy food and beverages. He emphasized the need for consumers to have access to healthier product options and suggested the possibility of imposing VAT on more products high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS). Mayer believes that the food industry’s efforts to improve the health profile of its products have not progressed fast enough, and that government intervention is now necessary.
According to Mayer, it is time for the government to go beyond cautionary policies and establish clear parameters for both the industry and consumers regarding what qualifies as a healthy product. He argues that regulation is the key to incentivizing the entire food and drink industry to shift towards healthier and more sustainable offerings. This could involve accelerating data sharing and transparency within the sector, imposing restrictions on advertising HFSS products, and aligning VAT rates with the nutritional value of products.
However, the government’s response to the obesity crisis has faced criticism for being slow. For instance, plans to delay the proposed ban on junk food advertisements before 9pm on TV and online received backlash from health bodies and industry pressure groups. Katharine Jenner, Director of the Obesity Health Alliance, accused the government of prioritizing its short-term political interests over the long-term health of children.
The negative publicity surrounding HFSS foods has led some companies to release new products that navigate around government regulations or reformulate existing products to comply with the guidelines. Nestlé, for example, recently launched an HFSS-compliant dessert, while Walkers reported that 30% of its sales now come from healthier snacks.
In conclusion, Mayer’s call for government action and stricter regulations on the food and beverage industry reflects the need for more significant steps to tackle the issue of unhealthy eating habits. Transitioning to a business tone, it is evident that collaboration between the government and industry is necessary to drive the shift towards healthier and more sustainable products in order to promote better public health.
