Nutrient Profiling Model Presented in UK

07/12/05 The UK Food Standards Agency has handed over the final nutrient profiling model to consumer watchdog Ofcom. The model provides a tool for categorising foods on the basis of their nutrient content. It has been developed to help rebalance children's diets by supporting Ofcom in its work of reducing the amount of advertising directed at children for foods high in saturated fat, sugar or salt. 

The development of the model fulfils commitments in both the Government's White Paper: Choosing Health (1) and the FSA’s Action Plan on Food Promotions and Children’s Diets, (2) to contribute to improving children’s diets by tightening rules on the broadcast advertising of foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar or salt.

The model’s development was overseen by an expert working group including independent nutritionists and dietitians, members of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), and representatives from industry and consumer groups. The Agency's Board agreed at the open meeting on 13 October 2005 that the nutrient profiling model should be handed over to Ofcom, which will consider how the model could be applied in its consultation looking at restrictions on broadcast advertising.

The consultation is expected to be published in early 2006. The Agency looks forward to seeing the proposals shortly. Deirdre Hutton, Chair of the Food Standards Agency said: 'This technical model, which has been overseen by scientific experts, provides a systematic basis for categorising food. We know that children's diets are too high in saturated fat, sugar and salt and we want to redress the current imbalance of food advertising to children. We are confident that this model provides a sound and robust basis for Ofcom to use in its work.'

Minister for Public Health Caroline Flint said: 'Choosing Health committed the Government to change the nature of food promotion to children, tackling childhood obesity by reducing the advertising of food and drink high in salt, fat and sugar to children and encouraging the promotion of healthier alternatives. 'It's important we get the balance right between protecting children from eating too many high fat, sugar and salt foods and the promotion of healthy foods.

'The nutrient profiling model developed by the Food Standards Agency will give Ofcom a framework to consult with the broadcasting and advertising sectors to help achieve that balance and make sure we can all work together to see better diets and healthier children.' James Purnell, Broadcasting Minister for Department of Culture, Media and Sport, said: 'The Public Health White Paper made the case for action to restrict further the advertising and promotion to children of foods high in fat, salt and sugar. Broadcast advertising has its part to play in that and I welcome the FSA's model as providing the basis on which Ofcom can target action.'