Obesity is a large topic

Now, of course, is that time of year when indulgent food sales plummet and manufacturers with 'diet' foods in their portfolio rub their hands with glee.

However, with regard to promotion of foods and weight loss marketing, departments must ensure they are on top of transitional periods for the European Commission Regulation on Nutrition and Health Claims. Of particular relevance is the prohibition on any claims which make reference to the rate or amount of weight loss, and indeed some companies which had used these have already ceased doing so.

This leads us neatly to considering obesity. Apologies for the pun in the title - obesity is doubtless a very serious issue, not just in the UK but globally, and one in which the food industry must play its part.

It is unfortunate that much media coverage regarding obesity has been very negative towards the food industry. I think the situation was summed up well in the following quote: "There is a massive demand for a stage villain and the food industry has stumbled into the role." (Martin Glenn, Birdseye chief executive).

In February, Leatherhead Food International will be holding a conference looking at positive ways in which all sectors of industry can contribute towards solutions to tackle obesity. These include: exercise-related promotions, product reformulation, portion sizes and calorie count products.

Obesity will continue to dominate food and health issues throughout the coming year and companies cannot afford to ignore this issue. It is also up to consumers to be sensible - combine the right foods and exercise. Most dieticians claim there is no such thing as a 'bad' food and it is all a question of balance, so the best advice is to make sure your products fit their niche comfortably.

Kath Veal is international regulatory team leader at Leatherhead Food International

http://www.leatherheadfood.com

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