A new report published by the Dairy All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has called for dairy to be put back on the ‘daily menu’ of the UK.
The Dairy APPG report, entitled ‘Putting Dairy Back on the Daily Menu’, highlights the key role dairy plays in leading a healthy lifestyle and looks at how government can work more effectively with the UK dairy industry to ensure that dairy consumption is encouraged among all ages.
Dairy UK and the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) welcomed the report.
Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK, said: “The Dairy APPG report is a welcome contribution to the debate on the links between dairy, health and nutrition. Milk and dairy products are packed full of the nutrients we need at all stages of life.
“Yet, because of conflicting media stories, negative messages and a flurry of questionable claims about dairy alternatives, it seems that the nutritional benefits of dairy products and their role in a balanced diet are no longer obvious to consumers.
“The science that underpins the nutritional benefits of dairy is formidable and we need to keep pressing home that dairy foods have a crucial role to play in a healthy diet.
“As such, we strongly support the APPG’s calls for the implementation of 3-a-day programme into nutritional guidelines in the UK to promote consumption and educate consumers of the benefits of dairy.
“Last but not least, we fully support the APPG’s recommendations for a cautious approach to reformulation programmes as policies which target individual nutrients do not always provide a balanced view of certain foods and can lead to misunderstanding the total value of whole foods.
“We have been calling for a holistic approach to nutrition policies to ensure that nutrition policies take into account the effect of whole foods and dietary patterns on health outcomes.
“Measures such as nutrient profiles fail dramatically to consider the nutrient-richness of natural foods such as milk or cheese and have a serious impact on the industry’s competitiveness.
“We are very pleased to see so much support from all sides of the political spectrum for a greater focus on the benefits of milk and dairy products. The dairy industry is a pillar of the UK economy and we need to work more effectively with Parliament and Government to spread the word on the benefits of dairy foods and support the future of the industry.”
Nick Everington, RABDF Chief Executive, said: “Promoting the consumption of milk and dairy products as part of a balanced diet is good for the health of consumers, the rural economy and the nation as a whole.
“With dairy farming currently facing its biggest challenge in more than two decades, it desperately needs the support of the British public.
“Making consumers fully aware of the health benefits that arise from consuming dairy is vitally important if we are to have a sustainable dairy sector going forward. British dairy farmers are continually being told they need to improve efficiency but without the support of consumers this is a complete waste of time.
“Supporting the promotion of dairy produce has been and still remains a key objective of the Association since its inception in 1876.”
Source: The Dairy Site
