Following the publication of the most recent Eatwell Guide, the Farmers’ Union of Wales was incredibly disappointed to read that the new guidance reduces the recommended intake of the dairy food group from 15 percent - as specified on the previous Eatwell Plate - to just 8 percent of daily intake.
In a letter to Public Health England, the Union requests proof under the Freedom of Information Act, in regards to the evidence used in determining the status of dairy in the Eatwell Guide and a list of the experts who were consulted.
FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Dairy products provide an important source of protein and calcium and contain essential vitamins and minerals, all of which are needed for a balanced diet.
“Indeed, the exclusion of dairy products from the ‘sugar tax’ demonstrates the role such products play in a healthy diet.”
This new guidance comes at a time when the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dairy have highlighted the nutritional benefits of dairy produce.
It is therefore extremely disappointing that dairy industry representatives were not consulted before this new conflicting guide was released; especially as the guidance is potentially harmful to the sector.
The FUW continues to promote the nutritional value of dairy. Indeed, the importance of dairy can be seen when looking at dietary guidelines across the world.
Many countries, including America, Australia, France and Ireland, have adopted a prominent and positive policy for dairy produce and the implementation of a 3-a-day dairy policy in the UK was supported by the APPG on dairy.
In its letter to Public Health England, the Union has asked for proper consideration to be given to this 3-a-day policy in order to highlight the nutritional benefits of dairy and to mitigate current concerns surrounding the decline in dairy consumption.
FUW Milk and Dairy Produce Committee Chairman, Rhydian Owen said: “The Union fully understands the need for a healthy and balanced diet and, as such, is bitterly disappointed in this most recent public health campaign which reduces the significance of the dairy food group.
“A robust evidence base is required when issuing dietary guidance and the FUW seeks to improve the openness and scrutiny provided when ‘evidence’ for nutritional standards is obtained.
“Given the above we have written to Public Health England, on behalf of our members, to request that they make known the documents used to inform their decision.”