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Most of the world’s largest food companies are still not getting to
grips with the potential harm in the goods they produce and sell, a
study has found.
An analysis of the biggest 25 food companies by researchers at London’s City University found that only Kraft and Unilever had begun to tackle the issue in any depth, with Unilever singled out for its anticipation of health trends, as opposed to just reacting to public criticism.
Twenty-three of the companies published CSR reports or general statements on their non-financial goals, but only 11 specifically referred to health. Four companies – Kraft, Sodexho, Tesco and Unilever – reported key performance indicators on health. More specifically, only five said they were acting to reduce sugar levels, four reported on fat, eight on trans-fats, and ten on salt. Two said they were reducing portion sizes.
Some of the statements were ‘specific and measurable’, but many were ‘very broad, vague and self-promotional’.
Aldi and Schwarz were the two companies that, researchers found, published no details at all.
The study of the world’s ten largest food retailers, ten food manufacturers and five food service companies assessed their policies on nutrition, research and development, marketing and labelling, and ‘whether health was part of corporate social responsibility’.
Retailers were taking the least action and food manufacturers, who have borne the brunt of criticism, the most. Overall the study concluded that most companies ‘did not appear to be taking health as a core consideration’ and were making general statements that showed little commitment.
However, the Food and Drink Federation, which represents manufacturers, said significant changes were being made by many food companies. Products worth £7.4billion ($12.9bn) had been given lower salt content by the end of 2005, and products worth £2.2bn now contained less fat compared with the previous year.
Food
manufacturer Kellogg is to invest £3m over three years to promote
swimming in the UK in its efforts to encourage more physical activity.
The money will be channelled through the Amateur Swimming Association.
An analysis of the biggest 25 food companies by researchers at London’s City University found that only Kraft and Unilever had begun to tackle the issue in any depth, with Unilever singled out for its anticipation of health trends, as opposed to just reacting to public criticism.
Twenty-three of the companies published CSR reports or general statements on their non-financial goals, but only 11 specifically referred to health. Four companies – Kraft, Sodexho, Tesco and Unilever – reported key performance indicators on health. More specifically, only five said they were acting to reduce sugar levels, four reported on fat, eight on trans-fats, and ten on salt. Two said they were reducing portion sizes.
Some of the statements were ‘specific and measurable’, but many were ‘very broad, vague and self-promotional’.
Aldi and Schwarz were the two companies that, researchers found, published no details at all.
The study of the world’s ten largest food retailers, ten food manufacturers and five food service companies assessed their policies on nutrition, research and development, marketing and labelling, and ‘whether health was part of corporate social responsibility’.
Retailers were taking the least action and food manufacturers, who have borne the brunt of criticism, the most. Overall the study concluded that most companies ‘did not appear to be taking health as a core consideration’ and were making general statements that showed little commitment.
However, the Food and Drink Federation, which represents manufacturers, said significant changes were being made by many food companies. Products worth £7.4billion ($12.9bn) had been given lower salt content by the end of 2005, and products worth £2.2bn now contained less fat compared with the previous year.
Food
manufacturer Kellogg is to invest £3m over three years to promote
swimming in the UK in its efforts to encourage more physical activity.
The money will be channelled through the Amateur Swimming Association.Super Featured
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