Bran flakes may be reclassified as junk food under UK nutrition reform
6 reported
Bran flakes could be classified as junk food under proposed UK government reforms to update the nutrient profiling model. Officials want to include naturally occurring “free sugars” alongside refined sugar when determining whether a food is healthy. Bran flakes typically contain added glucose from natural ingredients such as corn or wheat starch, making them likely to be deemed a “high in fat, salt or sugar” (HFSS) food under the new system. Kellanova managing director Dean O’Brien told the Telegraph the plans could “undo years of work and investment by food companies to encourage healthier choices.” A government spokesperson said the current rules are 20 years old and do not “reflect the latest dietary advice,” adding that the new model “shifts the focus from total sugars to free sugars and promotes diets higher in fibre.” The government is consulting on applying the new model to advertising and promotions restrictions.
What’s reported
Bran flakes may be classed as junk food under new government reforms to promote healthy eating.
Officials want to update the UK nutrient profiling model to include naturally occurring “free sugars” alongside refined sugar.
Bran flakes typically contain added glucose from natural ingredients such as corn or wheat starch.
Dean O’Brien, managing director of Kellanova, said the plans could undo years of work by food companies.
A government spokesperson said previous nutrition rules were 20 years old and did not reflect latest dietary advice.
The government is consulting on applying the new model to advertising and promotions restrictions.
Key figures
Dean O’Brien, managing director of Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Company)
Government spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: The Guardian
