Security trumps obesity in Britain’s first food strategy

LONDON, June 13 (Reuters) – Britain set out its to start with nationwide food tactic on Monday, focused on increasing domestic output of some generate to strengthen foodstuff security even though rejecting a suggestion to tackle obesity with new taxes on salt and sugar in processed food stuff.

The govt explained Russia’s invasion of Ukraine experienced strike foods supplies and caused price ranges to spike, underlining the need to have to raise Britain’s household-grown source of meals.

The strategy will broadly preserve the current amount of foodstuff made domestically, although boosting output in some sectors these kinds of as horticulture and seafood, it claimed.

Farming will acquire a full of 270 million lbs ($333 million) of investment decision in innovation till 2029, it said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the strategy would help farmers and help protect foodstuff provides from long run economic shocks.

“Harnessing new systems and innovation, we will expand and eat extra of our have food items – unlocking employment throughout the region and increasing the financial state, which in transform will in the end assistance to lower strain on charges,” he explained in a assertion.

The tactic follows an impartial evaluate by restaurateur Henry Dimbleby past yr, which integrated a advice for a new tax on salt and sugar to incentivise companies to minimize their use.

The evaluate was not included in the approach. Britain currently taxes sugar in gentle beverages, a go credited with decreasing the use of the sweetener in beverages.

NO NEW TAXES

Johnson claimed the federal government did not want to impose new taxes which set up the price tag of foods.

“The finest way to lose excess weight feel me is to consume considerably less,” he mentioned.

Minette Batters, president of the Nationwide Farmers Union, reported the method recognised the relevance of domestic manufacturing “at a time when the war in Ukraine has centered focus on the relevance and fragility of our worldwide food items safety.”

Environmental group Greenpeace United kingdom, nonetheless, stated the govt dismissed the tips of its own professionals and failed to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from meat and dairy sectors which accelerate local climate improve.

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Reporting by Paul Sandle and Nigel Hunt Editing by Jan Harve and Frank Jack Daniel

Our Criteria: The Thomson Reuters Trust Rules.