Who’s responsible for public health?

Public health has always been an arena of much debate, but it is arguably in the headlines more than ever before thanks to the likes of GLP-1 drugs evolving how an increasing number of consumers are feeding themselves – both within the home and beyond it, if the new-style low-calorie menu options many restaurants are trialling is an indicator – and ultra-processed foods sending shockwaves throughout all corners of the market.

With many shoppers aware of the health implications innate within the food and drink they consume yet often choosing to go against conventional wisdom in favour of ever-more-tasty, convenient and affordable products, who is responsible for ensuring that the British public – both now and in the future – remains healthy, resilient, and not a burden on the NHS?

Andrea Martinez-Inchausti, assistant director of food at the British Retail Consortium

“Retailers are fully committed to the health of their customers and are well aware of the scale of the obesity issue currently facing the UK. The industry has already played a leading role in reformulating products, promoting healthier alternatives and adopting easy to use on-pack nutritional labelling across own-brand ranges. Tackling the causes of childhood obesity needs a comprehensive approach with all food companies as well as major retailers playing a full role.”

Stewart Pennington, partner and deputy head of food and drink at Johnston Carmichael

“The recent introduction of High in Fat, Sugar or Salt (HFSS) regulations represents a significant shift in how food and drink products can be marketed and positioned. The new rules come at a time when businesses also face mounting pressure to adopt sustainable packaging, while the extension of the sugar tax to milk drinks in the Autumn Budget 2025 adds yet another layer of complexity, fundamentally altering the economics of entire product categories.

“As businesses that reformulate products to reduce sugar or salt may be at risk of VAT reclassification, any changes must be managed carefully to avert incurring extra cost.

“The UK food and drink sector has long been renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. Despite the challenges, the innovation we’re seeing across the sector is genuinely exciting. An impressive number of businesses are already exploring new product lines that meet regulatory requirements while tapping into consumer demand for healthy products.

“From novel protein sources to gluten-free goods, our food and drink SMEs are at the forefront of industry evolution. Those who innovate strategically in line with market-led trends are positioning themselves for significant growth in both domestic and export markets.”

Christina de Beukelaar, founder of Healing Hampers

“For decades, nutrition advice has been packaged into charts, guidelines and ever-changing food rules. Yet the fundamentals of eating well have barely changed. Most people thrive on food that is recognisable as something that once grew, swam, grazed or fermented.

“But good nutrition is not only about nutrients. It is also about the food environment we live in. Many people are surrounded by highly processed foods designed for convenience and long shelf life rather than nourishment. In that context, independent food retailers, delis, farm shops and food halls quietly play an important role in shaping how people eat.

“These spaces offer something supermarkets often struggle to replicate: guidance. Sometimes improving nutrition is not about providing more information, but about reconnecting people with ingredients and simple ways to use them. Good quality produce can sometimes feel out of reach, particularly when ultra processed foods are often cheaper and more aggressively marketed.

“Supporting local agriculture, shortening supply chains and encouraging seasonal eating can all help make nourishing food more accessible. When colourful produce, seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully made foods are visible and celebrated, it becomes far easier for people to eat in ways that nourish both body and community.”