The government should be promoting the health benefits of dairy products rather than urging consumers to reduce consumption, says Dairy UK chief executive Judith Bryans.
Speaking at the Semex conference in Glasgow on Monday (13 January), Dr Bryans said Public Health England’s new Change4Life campaign was hurting the dairy industry by urging shoppers to cut back on cheese, butter and whole milk to reduce their fat intake.
To change the perception held by some health professionals that dairy foods are too fatty, the dairy industry needs to share the positive message about its products more widely, she said.
“When I go and speak to the World Health Organisation they don’t tell me about pastries or cake, they say they would like to have less dairy in the developed world and a bit more in the developing world.
“The British public’s love for dairy products and their significant nutritional benefits remain as strong as ever and there is growing demand for dairy around the world.
“It is up to us to remind politicians, civil servants, health professionals and the public that dairy makes a difference in a very positive way.” says Judith Bryans, Dairy UK chief executive
“Government and decision-makers at all levels are assailed by those pursuing an anti-dairy agenda,” Dr Bryans added.
“It is up to us to remind politicians, civil servants, health professionals and the public that dairy makes a difference in a very positive way.”
Dr Bryans announced that Dairy UK would be holding events throughout the year to tell people about how “dairy makes a difference”.
Earlier in the day, First Milk chief executive Kate Allum also said that both the industry and government should be telling a better story about dairy foods.
“As soon as people in the developing world increase their disposable income they buy dairy products to make themselves stronger, fitter and better. So you would expect the UK government to similarly promote dairy – would you not?” she said.
“As an industry we don’t tell the wonderful story well enough. How many people do you still hear talking about full-fat milk?
“People want good quality from a supply chain they can trust and we can deliver both of those. We have nature’s perfect food in our locker.”
Source Farmers Weekly