Consumers

The king-size is dead

Confectionery manufacturers on September 27 announced the phasing out of some king-size chocolate bars in a move intended to tackle rising levels of obesity. King size Mars and Snickers bars could disappear next year in the UK under seven pledges set out by the industry association, the Food and Drink Federation, to make products healthier. The pledges come ahead of a health white paper due to be published later this autumn. They include clearer labelling, reduced fat, sugar and salt levels, the removal of vending machines from schools and a rethink on some portion sizes. Members of the Food and Drink Federation include Coca-Cola, Kellogg's, Kraft Foods, Nestlé, Pepsi and Weetabix. Contact Christine Fisk Food and Drink Federation 020 7420 7131 (http://www.fdf.org.uk)

Fat chancers

A Food Standards Agency survey has shown that shoppers may be being misled over the fat content of minced meat, it was announced on September 28. Samples labelled 'lean' or 'extra lean' were found to contain more fat than 'standard' packs of meat. The Agency looked at 561 samples of fresh and frozen minced meat, including 444 samples of beef and found that 55 of the 308 samples giving nutrition information on the label contained more fat than the label claimed. The FSA now plans to develop voluntary guidelines for fat-content labelling on minced meat. Contact Food Standards Agency 020 7276 8888 (http://www.food.gov.uk)

Salt of the earth

Salt consumption is the target of a major new public health awareness campaign launched by the Food Standards Agency on September 24. The UK-wide TV, print and poster advertising campaign will feature Sid the Slug, an animated character aimed at drawing attention to the links between salt consumption, blood pressure and heart disease. The campaign has received backing from the Consumer Council, the Royal Society of Physicians and from NGOs the Stroke Association and Consensus Action on Salt and Health. A joint statement of support was also issued on September 17 by a group of caterers, manufacturers and retailers including the British Retail Consortium, Food and Drink Federation and British Hospitality Association. Individual companies adding their names to the list include Tesco, Iceland and Marks & Spencer. The statement welcomed efforts to increase public awareness and reiterated support for the goal of reducing average consumption to 6g/day by 2010. Contact Food Standards Agency 020 7276 8888 (http://www.salt.gov.uk)

Can ban

A ban on vending machines offering soft drinks, sweets and snacks in French schools was approved by parliament on July 30 in an attempt to curb obesity in children. Food manufacturers will also be taxed if they fail to include health warnings in television advertisements. Contact French National Assembly 00 33 1 4063 6990 (http://www.assemblee-nat.fr)

Healthy, wealthy and wise

Prudential is launching a new health insurance scheme in 2005 that rewards consumers for healthy behaviour. PruHealth will offer reduced premiums to people who can show they are improving their fitness levels. Scheme members will also earn points towards prizes if they visit the gym or show improved fitness at regular health checks. Contact Juliette Emblem, Prudential 020 7150 2657 (http://www.prudential.co.uk)

Vain attempt

The Portman Group announced on August 26 an anti-binge drinking campaign aimed at young women. The campaign sought to discourage women from excessive drinking by highlighting the effects of excessive alcohol on their looks and health. Posters and postcards for the 'spoof' cosmetic, Masque crème de regret, were available during September in pubs and bars around the UK. Contact The Portman Group 020 7907 3700 (http://www.portman-group.org.uk)

Smoked out

Enterprise Inns, Mitchells & Butlers, Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises and the Spirit Group announced on September 9 a pledge to ban smoking in four-fifths of the trading area in their premises by December 2009. The five firms also intend to ban smoking at the bar by the end of the year. Contact Sally Ellson, Mitchells & Butlers 0121 498 4395 (http://www.mbplc.com)