UK Retailers Claim to Already be Leading on Tackling Obesity

The BRC also believes understanding and changing consumer behaviour is key to tackling obesity and there must be a recognition that food is only one part of the obesity equation.

Oct 14 2011 --- Working with customers to make healthier lifestyles possible is something retailers are already doing and they remain committed to playing their part in tackling obesity.

Reacting to Thursday's launch of the UK Government's Obesity White Paper for England, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said retailers have been contributing to calorie reduction by reformulating products and changing portion sizes for years along with providing clear nutritional labelling.

The BRC also believes understanding and changing consumer behaviour is key to tackling obesity and there must be a recognition that food is only one part of the obesity equation.

British Retail Consortium Director of Food Policy Andrew Opie said: "There is an obesity problem and the Government is right to look for solutions. Retailers have long recognised they have a part to play. They've been contributing to calorie reduction for years by changing recipes and portion sizes alongside promoting fresh fruit and vegetables and improving nutritional labeling.

"Earlier this year, the UK's seven largest food retailers in the UK, all members of the British Retail Consortium, committed themselves to every relevant pledge on food and alcohol in the Government's Public Health Responsibility Deal.

"But understanding consumer behaviour is key to tackling obesity. Reducing the calories in a product doesn't work if people just eat something extra as well. We are doing a lot to help, but individuals have to take responsibility for the choices they make and there must be recognition of the role of exercise and education."