Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding calories on menus.
I have read the emails carefully
and have noted the key points that you make.
The Government, has so far shared
the following feedback with MPs who normally support it, which I hereby share
with you for your information:
“With eating disorders on the rise,
tackling these disorders through early and effective treatment remains a key
priority of this Government and our NHS.
The Department of Health and Social
Care recognise concerns people with eating disorders may have on measures to
reduce obesity, and we support their commitment to striking a careful balance
between enabling people to make healthier food and drink choices whilst not
negatively impacting on those with or recovering from an eating disorder.
Alongside work to develop the
obesity strategy, an equality assessment was undertaken to understand the
impact of these proposals, including on people with eating disorders. Although
some research has showed that label use on packaged foods was related to
engagement in some unhealthy weight behaviours, there is a larger likelihood of
participants engaging with healthy weight control behaviours.
With more than a third of children
leaving primary school overweight or obese, and nearly two thirds of adults, it
is vital that we equip people with the information to make decisions about
their food intake. Information on the energy content of food and drink is
already widely available in supermarkets through mandatory nutrition labelling
requirements on pre-packaged foods and some restaurants.
The Government is committed to
striking a careful balance between informing and educating people to make healthier
choices, while not negatively impacting people with eating disorders or those
in recovery from eating disorders.”
This issue will require careful
consideration, and robust cross-examination re. the possible/likely
disadvantages and downsides, and I will certainly keep a very close eye on it
going forwards.
If you would like to discuss this
further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.
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