EVESHAM’s MP Nigel Huddleston has lent this support to a campaign from leading charity Diabetes UK, calling for the public to be given clear nutritional information in restaurants, cafes and takeaways, as well as on the front of all pre-packaged food and drinks.
Clear food labelling is vital for millions of people living with diabetes, to help them manage their condition and reduce their risk of serious complications.
In a 2017 survey of more than 9,000 people living with or affected by diabetes, almost three quarters of respondents said if all companies used the same food labelling system it would help them to make healthier choices.
Mr Huddleston made the pledge at a parliamentary event hosted by the charity as part of its ongoing Food Upfront campaign.
“There is widespread public support for clearer labelling on food and drink that will help people make healthier and better informed decisions about what they eat,” he said.
“I’m therefore happy to lend my support to Diabetes UK’s Food Upfront campaign. Obesity and weight related chronic health conditions – including Type 2 diabetes – continue to rise, and simple measures like clear and colour coded labelling on food can make a big difference to diets across the country.”
Helen Dickens, assistant director of campaigns and mobilisation at Diabetes UK said: “We know consistent and clear food labelling can help all of us to make informed choices. For people with diabetes, easy access to clear and consistent labelling, for example on carbohydrate content, is vital to supporting them with their diabetes management.
“With around two-thirds of adults, and almost a third of children in the UK classed as overweight or obese, and therefore at increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and other chronic health conditions, it’s really important that we have measures in place that help make it easier for all of us to know what’s in the food we’re buying.”
