UKH warns against new measures in gov health plan
The trade body pointed out that the hospitality sector had already made significant changes, including menu reformulation and offering healthier options
UKHospitality has warned that new measures in the government’s 10-year health plan for England risk adding “red tape and cost” to businesses if imposed without collaboration.
It comes as the Department of Health and Social Care published the plan yesterday (3 July), which aims to improve the National Health Service (NHS) and tackle issues such as obesity.
However, the trade body pointed out that the hospitality sector had already made significant changes, including menu reformulation and offering healthier options. In light of this, it called for more clarity about the proposals.
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKH, said: “We are calling for clarity and detail from the government on the new measures outlined in its 10-year health plan, such as what mandatory reporting is set to look like, and which businesses are eligible. Collaboration with the sector will be key as enforcing blunt and ill-suited measures upon business will not deliver genuine change but will instead add further red tape and cost.
“It’s also important to remember that hospitality is a place for special occasions, and where many people gather for a treat. Whether it’s a trip to the local pub, dining out at a restaurant or getting a takeaway, these are occasions that really matter to people and what they look forward to. These instances aren’t a daily occurrence and are likely to be a treat every few weeks or months.”
She added: “We need to ensure the sector isn’t pushed into new rules that end up tainting these experiences. Therefore, working in tandem with the government across a holistic approach that spans across consumers, food businesses, the supply chain and education, is the best way to deliver the food revolution it craves. Not only will this keep the doors of hospitality businesses open, but it also protects a staple of British culture.”
The organisation said it supported the government’s goal of improving the nation’s health but stressed that a “blanket approach” would fail to recognise the variety of businesses in the sector.
