FSA launch consultation on healthier food promos

The Food Standards Agency has announced plans to clamp down on saturated fats and extra large portions, potentially forcing marketers to promote low-fat and smaller portions.

The government body has launched a consultation, aiming to reduce saturated fat in food products. It will also increase the availability of healthier options and smaller portion sizes in savoury snacks.

If passed, its recommendations will force brands to promote the supply and sale of reduced fat food and drink products, including 1% fat or less in dairy foods, and single pack restrictions on savoury snacks of 30g or less. Marketers will also be required to increase promotion of and encourage consumer interest in smaller pack sizes.

Clair Baynton, the agency’s head of nutrition, says: ‘The agency’s proposals are a challenge for the industry, but we know that many businesses have already made great progress in improving the healthiness of their products. Our aim is to ensure that people have a range of smaller portion sizes and lower-saturated-fat options to choose from when shopping, which will make it easier for them to eat a healthier diet.’

The agency is seeking views on its proposals by 9 March. The final recommendations from both consultations will be published next year.