Following the launch of the new Eatwell Guide by Public Health England (PHE), a healthy diet should now include more fruit, vegetables and starchy carbohydrates and have fewer sugary foods and drinks, and less dairy.
Commenting on the reduction of the recommended dairy intake in the new Eatwell Guide, Chairman Heather Wheeler MP and members of the Dairy All-Party Parliamentary Group said:
“We are sorely disappointed by Public Health England’s decision to reduce the dairy food group in the new Eatwell guide.
“The Dairy All-Party Parliamentary Group just released a report which highlights the essential role of dairy products in a healthy and balanced diet, based on robust evidence provided by nutrition and health experts.
“This evidence is widely available and it is therefore both puzzling and frustrating to see that official dietary guidelines would not rely on it.
“Dairy products are full of key nutrients we all need, from the well-known calcium and protein to the lesser-known iodine and vitamin B12.
“The message has been clear – dairy products should be celebrated and promoted.
“Looking outside our borders, a long list of countries such as France, Canada, Australia and many more have had successful 3-a-Day dairy consumption programmes for years which all emphasise the importance of dairy foods.
“The dairy industry was not consulted during this process and had no opportunity to give scientific evidence or help prevent serious flaws in the guidelines.
“For example, we do not believe that vulnerable groups such as breastfeeding women or teenage girls can practically meet their needs for calcium or iodine using the new eatwell plate.
“We should be making every effort to encourage dairy consumption, not taking steps to reduce it.
“In our report Putting Dairy Back on the Daily Menu, we called for a 3-a-Day dairy programme to remind consumers of the unique nutritional value of dairy products.
“The new Eatwell guide is at odds with our recommendations and we plan on discussing this further with the Department of Health and Public Health England.”
More vitamins and nutrition in milk than any other source
Arla Foods UK comments on the new recommendations: “Arla Foods is surprised and disappointed to see the Government’s new Eatwell guidance, with a reduction in the suggested amount of dairy that should be consumed.
“We are seeking an urgent meeting to clarify what, if any, scientific and nutritional data this new guidance has been based upon.
“Dairy, and milk in particular, is proven to be a unique food and source of nutrition at all life stages, and for specific groups of the population including children and pregnant women. In fact, there are more vitamins and minerals in milk than almost any other food source.
“Milk is nutritious by nature and having dairy in one’s daily diet is a simple and tasty way to assure intake of important nutrients. Therefore, we are perplexed as to why the new guidance to consumers states that they should lessen their intake.
“We are very aware of wider health issues facing the nation, and the importance of people making healthier choices in the food and drink they consume.
“That’s why we are focused on developing new products, for example with lower levels of added sugar, fat, lower salt, increased protein, or boosted vitamins, to increase the range of choice for consumers.
“While it is absolutely important that public guidelines are regularly reviewed to meet the changing needs of our population, it is also vital that messages to consumers about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods are clear.
“There is a very real risk that, as part of a wider dialogue about this new guidance, the value of dairy and the natural, nutritional benefit of milk is forgotten by those who need it most.
“For example, 19 per cent of teenage girls have very low intake of calcium and 22 per cent have very low intake of vitamin B2.
“Against this backdrop of poor nutrition, we believe that the latest guidance could be misleading, confusing, and will potentially exacerbate an already critical situation.”
