Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 11 August (HL1282), whether they consider that supermarkets currently offer sufficient levels of sugar-free and sugar-reduced items; what impact they consider an increase in the availability of such items would have on obesity levels in the United Kingdom; whether they have any plans to intervene more strongly than the current voluntary arrangements in order to increase the availability of such items; and if not, why not.

Through the Government’s voluntary partnership with industry, eight supermarket chains are currently signed up to the calorie reduction pledge and are taking actions to enable their customers to consume fewer calories. Five of these supermarkets are taking direct action to either cut sugar or provide sugar-free or sugar-reduced products.

Ten supermarket chains have committed to provide clear information on the front of food and drink products, including sugar content.

The Government is committed to reducing overweight and obesity through a range of actions involving consumers and a wide range of stakeholders. The role of industry in continuing to reduce calories, including sugar, through the voluntary partnership is a key component of the Government’s approach.

The final report of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition on Carbohydrates and Health and Public Health England evidence and advice on sugar reduction, both due in Spring 2015, will inform the Government’s next steps.