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<p>As set out in the King's Speech, the Government will bring forward the necessary
secondary legislation to ban junk food advertising to children, and will stop the
sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under 16-year-olds. We face an obesity crisis,
and we will take action to tackle it head on, easing the strain on the National Health
Service and creating the healthiest generation of children ever.</p><p>There is no
universally agreed definition of ultra-processed foods (UPF), although NOVA is the
most widely used classification system. NOVA categorises foods by how processed they
are, rather than their nutritional composition.</p><p>Published evidence has estimated
that UPF intake varies by age group, ranging from 51% in adults aged over 19 years
old, to 68% in adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old, based on National Diet and Nutrition
Survey data.</p><p>In July 2023 the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition
(SACN) published a position statement on processed foods and health, and concluded
that observed associations between UPFs and health are concerning, but it is unclear
whether these foods are inherently unhealthy due to processing or due to their nutritional
content. Given the SACN’s concerns, they added the topic of processed foods and health
to their watching brief and will consider it at their next horizon scan meeting in
October 2024.</p><p>Government dietary advice, based on recommendations from the SACN
and as depicted within <em>The </em><em>Eatwell Guide</em>, already shows that many
foods that would be classified as ultra-processed are not part of a healthy, balanced
diet, as they are high in calories, saturated fat, salt, or sugar. Government advice
on healthy eating, including <em>The Eatwell Guide</em> principles, is communicated
through the NHS.UK website and the Government’s social marketing campaigns such as
Better Health, Healthier Families, and Start for Life.</p>
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