New Blog: Food Strategy for England – Sounds Like a Plan?
The UK Government has recently published its Food Strategy for England, setting out an ambitious vision to replace the current “junk food cycle” with a healthier “good food cycle.” The strategy pledges to make good British food more affordable, accessible, and sustainable, while also celebrating the nation’s diverse food cultures.
At first glance, this is a welcome step. Healthier diets, reduced reliance on ultra-processed foods, and support for local food systems are goals that resonate strongly across society. However, when the detail is examined, important questions remain about how the government intends to turn aspiration into action.
What Does the Strategy Propose?
The policy paper outlines ten goals, grouped into four categories:
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Healthier and More Affordable Food – making nutritious food accessible to all, and creating a healthier food environment.
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Good Growth – building a sustainable food sector and developing a skilled workforce.
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Sustainable and Resilient Supply – protecting the environment, animal welfare, and supply chain resilience.
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Vibrant Food Cultures – celebrating regional foods, promoting food knowledge, and strengthening community connections.
Where Are the Gaps?
While the direction of travel appears positive, there are concerns about the lack of clarity in defining what constitutes “healthy” food. Current classifications often oversimplify nutrition, focusing too heavily on calories, fat, sugar, and salt, while overlooking nutrient-rich foods such as full-fat dairy, nuts, olive oil, and oily fish.
There is also the issue of delivery. Many of the policy areas that underpin the strategy are still “under development,” leaving stakeholders unsure about how, or when, the proposed goals will be implemented.
The Role of Industry
The strategy calls for collaboration between government, citizens, academics, and the food industry. While this sounds promising, there are understandable concerns about the influence of “big food” companies, whose vested interests may not always align with public health objectives.
A Cautious Outlook
Ultimately, the Food Strategy for England presents a vision that most people would support: healthier diets, affordable access to nutritious food, sustainable supply chains, and a celebration of UK food heritage. Yet without stronger definitions, clear delivery plans, and careful management of industry involvement, the strategy risks being more of a statement of intent than a roadmap for change.
At X-PERT Health, we welcome the ambition but remain cautiously sceptical. The potential is there — but the proof will be in the implementation.
👉 Read our full analysis in the latest blog
