Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 2 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 February 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what his Department's strategy is for reducing (a) sugar levels in food and (b) the prevalence of people having excess sugar in their diet.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's strategy is for reducing (a) sugar levels in food and (b) the prevalence of people having excess sugar in their diet. [153117] Miss Melanie Johnson: There is a NHS Plan (2000) commitment to work with industry to improve the overall balance of the diet, including salt, fat and sugar in food. The Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency are in discussions with the food industry and retailers on reducing the level of salt in processed foods and work on added sugars and fat will follow through 2004. Wider initiatives will also have an impact on population average intakes of sugars, including the five-a-day programme, action in schools and the development of the food and health action plan. The food and health action plan will address diet and nutrition at all stages of the life course and will build on existing work. It will therefore be key for addressing intakes of added sugars, as well as fat and salt.

Secondary information