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FDF slams Jamie Oliver

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has responded to a new petition launched by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Sustain and Leon calling on the UK government to tax sugary drinks, to the Jamie’s Sugar Rush’ documentary and to the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group and Leon Restaurants adoption of a 10p levy on soft drinks […]

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has responded to a new petition launched by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Sustain and Leon calling on the UK government to tax sugary drinks, to the Jamie’s Sugar Rush’ documentary and to the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group and Leon Restaurants adoption of a 10p levy on soft drinks with added sugar.

“We applaud Jamie Oliver’s personal commitment to improving public health,” said Ian Wright, Director General of the Food and Drink Federation. “Most of us in the food industry have a similar commitment. We agree that change is needed.”

“I do find it inconsistent that the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group and Leon Restaurant Group, neither of which provide nutrition labelling on in-store menus or support Government’s drive to reduce calories1, have chosen to tax customers choosing soft drinks.”

“Additional burdensome taxes on foods or drinks, on top of the already enforced 20% VAT on many foods and drinks, would be regressive, ineffective and unworkable. They are rejected by the public. This complex challenge needs a complex solution, one which involves and empowers people, not taxes them.”

“Leading health experts and UK Government support a comprehensive approach to tackling poor health, including balanced diets and physical exercise. Reports suggest that the documentary over-simplifies the obesity challenge which is far more wide-ranging than any single ingredient, food or drink.”