UK's food labelling needs a complete overhaul to combat obesity crisis, health coach claims
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PCI-QUALIFIED health coach Steve Bennett is calling on British policymakers to adopt bold, front-of-pack food warning labels as part of a national strategy to tackle obesity, affecting approximately 15 million adults in the UK.
He praised the black warning labels on ultra-processed foods in Chilean supermarkets, which has led to a measurable decline in sales of these marked products.
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Steve said the traffic light system fails to inform customers about health risks
Credit: Getty
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He has proposed a scheme used in Chile with black warning labels on ultra-processed foods
Credit: Alamy
Steve, founder of a health app called Clubwell, said: 'Our food labelling system does little to deter Brits away from unhealthy options.
'Although well-intentioned, the current traffic light system fails to clearly inform consumers of the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods.
'The system is based on manufacturer-designed portion sizes which are so unrealistic they border on fantasy. When did you last eat just half a biscuit or a single square of chocolate?
'Chile's approach is simple and effective. The introduction of stark black warning labels on foods high in sugar, salt, calories and saturated fat has reduced sales of harmful foods, improved public awareness, and contributed towards a drop in childhood obesity.
'I would expect a similar model in Britain to reflect these results.'
Since Chile's policy was introduced, purchases of sugary foods were reportedly cut by as much as 25 per cent.
Sales of ultra-processed foods with the labels in school kiosks dropped from 90 per cent to 15 per cent within six months of the law's introduction.
Britain currently leads Europe in ultra-processed food consumption, with these products making up over 50 per cent of all food purchases.
Steve added: 'Obesity not only increases the risk of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and several other diseases, but it also places huge pressure on the NHS and the UK economy.
'Changing our food labelling system and limiting sales of UPFs is a vital step towards tackling this spiralling obesity crisis.
'Addressing the root of the issue is far more effective in the long-term. We shouldn't simply be relying on weight loss jabs to solve the obesity epidemic.
'Transparent labelling would empower consumers to make informed choices and reduce dependence on pharmaceutical solutions.
'The food industry has resisted change, but the evidence is clear, bold labels work.
'I urge the UK government to implement clear warning labels, restrictions on marketing to children and removal of junk food from schools.'
Steve, who has created £100 million companies during his award-winning commercial career before becoming a respected health coach, is launching the FREE Clubwell app later in the year to encourage users to keep track of their metabolic health to prevent future health issues related to insulin resistance.
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Steve is launching a free app to help keep customers informed
Credit: Getty
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A similar scheme in Chile has had a positive impact Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PCI-QUALIFIED health coach Steve Bennett is calling on British policymakers to adopt bold, front-of-pack food warning labels as part of a national strategy to tackle obesity, affecting approximately 15 million adults in the UK. He praised the black warning labels on ultra-processed foods in Chilean supermarkets, which has led to a measurable decline in sales of these marked products. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Steve said the traffic light system fails to inform customers about health risks Credit: Getty 4 He has proposed a scheme used in Chile with black warning labels on ultra-processed foods Credit: Alamy Steve, founder of a health app called Clubwell, said: 'Our food labelling system does little to deter Brits away from unhealthy options. 'Although well-intentioned, the current traffic light system fails to clearly inform consumers of the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods. 'The system is based on manufacturer-designed portion sizes which are so unrealistic they border on fantasy. When did you last eat just half a biscuit or a single square of chocolate? 'Chile's approach is simple and effective. The introduction of stark black warning labels on foods high in sugar, salt, calories and saturated fat has reduced sales of harmful foods, improved public awareness, and contributed towards a drop in childhood obesity. 'I would expect a similar model in Britain to reflect these results.' Since Chile's policy was introduced, purchases of sugary foods were reportedly cut by as much as 25 per cent. Sales of ultra-processed foods with the labels in school kiosks dropped from 90 per cent to 15 per cent within six months of the law's introduction. Britain currently leads Europe in ultra-processed food consumption, with these products making up over 50 per cent of all food purchases. Steve added: 'Obesity not only increases the risk of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and several other diseases, but it also places huge pressure on the NHS and the UK economy. 'Changing our food labelling system and limiting sales of UPFs is a vital step towards tackling this spiralling obesity crisis. 'Addressing the root of the issue is far more effective in the long-term. We shouldn't simply be relying on weight loss jabs to solve the obesity epidemic. 'Transparent labelling would empower consumers to make informed choices and reduce dependence on pharmaceutical solutions. 'The food industry has resisted change, but the evidence is clear, bold labels work. 'I urge the UK government to implement clear warning labels, restrictions on marketing to children and removal of junk food from schools.' Steve, who has created £100 million companies during his award-winning commercial career before becoming a respected health coach, is launching the FREE Clubwell app later in the year to encourage users to keep track of their metabolic health to prevent future health issues related to insulin resistance. 4 Steve is launching a free app to help keep customers informed Credit: Getty
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PCI-QUALIFIED health coach Steve Bennett is calling on British policymakers to adopt bold, front-of-pack food warning labels as part of a national strategy to tackle obesity, affecting approximately 15 million adults in the UK. He praised the black warning labels on ultra-processed foods in Chilean supermarkets, which has led to a measurable decline in sales of these marked products. 4 4 Steve, founder of a health app called Clubwell, said: 'Our food labelling system does little to deter Brits away from unhealthy options. 'Although well-intentioned, the current traffic light system fails to clearly inform consumers of the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods. 'The system is based on manufacturer-designed portion sizes which are so unrealistic they border on fantasy. When did you last eat just half a biscuit or a single square of chocolate? 'Chile's approach is simple and effective. The introduction of stark black warning labels on foods high in sugar, salt, calories and saturated fat has reduced sales of harmful foods, improved public awareness, and contributed towards a drop in childhood obesity. 'I would expect a similar model in Britain to reflect these results.' Since Chile's policy was introduced, purchases of sugary foods were reportedly cut by as much as 25 per cent. Sales of ultra-processed foods with the labels in school kiosks dropped from 90 per cent to 15 per cent within six months of the law's introduction. Britain currently leads Europe in ultra-processed food consumption, with these products making up over 50 per cent of all food purchases. Steve added: ' Obesity not only increases the risk of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and several other diseases, but it also places huge pressure on the NHS and the UK economy. 'Changing our food labelling system and limiting sales of UPFs is a vital step towards tackling this spiralling obesity crisis. 'Addressing the root of the issue is far more effective in the long-term. We shouldn't simply be relying on weight loss jabs to solve the obesity epidemic. 'Transparent labelling would empower consumers to make informed choices and reduce dependence on pharmaceutical solutions. 'The food industry has resisted change, but the evidence is clear, bold labels work. 'I urge the UK government to implement clear warning labels, restrictions on marketing to children and removal of junk food from schools.' Steve, who has created £100 million companies during his award-winning commercial career before becoming a respected health coach, is launching the FREE Clubwell app later in the year to encourage users to keep track of their metabolic health to prevent future health issues related to insulin resistance. 4 4
