DIET, HEALTH AND ECONOMICS In October 2021 a survey from the ongoing National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) was issued by Public Health England. While there was an in increase in cooking at home and reduction in takeaway food during lockdown, it is clear that the UK general diet for most nutrients and age groups remains concerning and this will only add further pressure to an already burdened NHS. The survey found that intakes of free sugars, total and saturated fat continue to exceed recommendations and intake of fruit and vegetables, fish and oily fish and fibre are below the recommended levels. Mean consumption of fruit and vegetables was below the recommendation in all age or sex groups while consumption of total and oily fish was well below the recommendation in all age and sex groups. These are key areas for us and we will review how we can better promote the nutritional benefits of our products. More positively, the survey noted that average intake of salt was significantly lower in this study compared to previous assessments for women aged 19 to 64 and men aged 65 and over.
The ongoing downward trend in sugar sweetened drink consumption continues across most age groups and we remain committed to ensuring that no branded soft drink we make contains any added sugar. Of particular concern was the data that shows that for all key nutrients, mean consumption was lower for households who reported to be managing less well financially, yet in these same households’ consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and processed meat was higher than average. This further supports the aims of the Child Food Poverty Taskforce which has called for better education as well as financial support for less well-off families. Princes has publicly supported the Taskforce aims, but it is becoming increasingly clear we have a responsibility to move beyond our traditional role as a food manufacturer and engage further in food education and tackling food poverty.
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Five-A-Day
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NO SUGAR IS ADDED TO ANY OF OUR BRANDED SOFT DRINKS
OVER 200 OF OUR BRANDED PRODUCTS CONTAIN 1 OF 5 A DAY
RESPONSIBLE MARKETING Corporate Responsibility in this area means advertising and claims we make as much as the content of our food and drink. Our Marketing and Technical teams always seek to ensure we don’t make misleading claims and are very much aware, for example, that products can be ‘low in fat’ while also being high in sugar. Where we make any claim on our brands we will always carefully review guidelines to ensure we provide clear, accurate and transparent information.
