Department of Health takes over nutrition policy

In an effort to improve the nation’s diet, the Department of Health will take over responsibility for nutrition policy.

This will mean that health officials from the department will now work directly with manufacturers to reduce the amount of unhealthy ingredients in our food.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “I am committed to improving the public’s health by providing evidence-based advice to support people in making healthier choices. The transfer of nutrition policy in England into the Department of Health means we can give the general public more consistent information. It will also mean a more co-ordinated and coherent policy-making process; and a more effective potential partnership between Government and external stakeholders.

“The Food Standards Agency will continue to ensure the public’s safety by maintaining its essential and robust regulatory role.

“I’d like to thank the staff and partners of the FSA for their hard work to make sure that this change happens quickly and efficiently so that we can get on with the job in hand – improving public health.”