Business Leaders' Forum
Jon Poole
Ceo of the Institute of Food Science & Technology Jon Poole said the obesity debate should not be centred on demonising certain food types and instead on discovering healthier ingredients.
He also discussed the current political structure of the UK and how it is impacting on the food industry.
Poole: “The government is rather schizophrenic at the moment and therefore is trying various techniques in order to try and regulate and improve healthy eating of the nation.
“If it is a joint responsibility then things like the [Public Health] Responsibility Deal will apply some pressure in order to make sure industry heads in the right direction.
“You have to understand the limitations of reformulation and its impact on health – particularily things like taking salt, and in some cases sugar, out – and its impact on food.
“At the same time we need to educate people to be healthier and that isn’t achieved through demonising certain food groups, but more about encouraging overall healthy eating.
“Science and technology is about discovery and delivery through that discovery. So, we can’t say we have all the technology now but through careful thought and research we can discover and improve techniques.”