Food Companies Sign UK Government Pledge to Reduce Calories

The U.K. Department of Health has announced a new “Public Health Responsibility Deal” signed by 17 major food and beverage companies that have agreed to cap calories in their products. According to a March 24, 2012, department press release, the pledge aims “to cut five billion calories from the nation’s diet” by asking signatories to actively promote lower-calorie options and to offer additional reduced-calorie items. The companies supporting the initiative include chain restaurants, retailers and manufacturers such as Coca-Cola Great Britain and Mars, Inc.

“We all have a role to play – from individuals to public, private and nongovernmental organizations – if we are going to cut five billion calories from our national diet. It is an ambitious challenge but the Responsibility Deal has made a great start,” said Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. “This pledge is just the start of what must be a bigger, broader commitment from the food industry. But it is a great step in the right direction and will help millions of us eat and drink fewer calories.