Northern Ireland

Advertising and Sponsorship Policy (UK-wide policy)

The Advertising and Sponsorship Policy approved by Bristol City Council restricts the marketing of food and drinks high in fat, sugar and/or salt. The policy covers all advertising generated by the Council itself and advertising and sponsorship by third parties on Bristol City Council-owned sites.

Turning the Tide: A 10-year Healthy Weight Strategy (UK-wide policy)

"Our 10-year healthy weight strategy sets out a long-term agenda of evidence-informed policies with 30 recommendations, covering food and drink marketing, early years and treatment as well as the infrastructure needed to ensure policies are robustly implemented and evaluated."

Calorie reduction: guidelines for the food industry (UK-wide policy)

This report sets out the calorie reduction ambitions for all food industry sectors, including: the approach to calorie reduction and reformulation, the different ambitions set across food industry sectors recognising that more action is required in the eating out, takeaway and delivery sectors, food products included in the categories and baseline figures for the different food sectors

Policy paper, Tackling obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives (UK-wide policy)

A Fitter Future for All, Reviewed Outcome Framework 2019-2022

This document contains new outcomes to aid implementation of the Framework. The short term outcomes identified in 2012 were revised for 2015-2019 and have now been revised for a final time for implementation during 2019-2022. Targets of the framework include: Adults – To reduce the level of obesity by 4% and overweight and obesity by 3% by 2022. Children – A 3% reduction of obesity and 2% reduction of overweight and obesity by 2022.

Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards trans fat, other than trans fat naturally occurring in fat of animal origin

Measures to limit or virtually eliminate industrially-produced trans fatty acids in food intended for the final consumer and/or for supply to retail. Adopted by The European Commission from April 2019. (Available in multiple languages)

Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards trans fat, other than trans fat naturally occurring in fat of animal origin (UK-wide policy)

Measures to limit or virtually eliminate industrially-produced trans fatty acids in food intended for the final consumer and/or for supply to retail. Adopted by The European Commission from April 2019. (Available in multiple languages)

Soft drinks industry levy

The Soft Drinks Industry Levy is a mandatory tax on the amount of sugar present in soft drinks in the UK. It is a two-tiered tax, affecting both manufacturers and importers of soft drinks. This levy was introduced by the UK Government in March 2016 and was enforced in April 2018 as a method of reducing the levels of sugar being consumed through soft drinks.

Healthy Active Schools System (HASS) (UK-wide policy)

This is a free tool devised and delivered by a UK children’s activity provider 'Fit For Sport.' It is an online activity measurement tool which allows schools to track, monitor and evaluate children’s activity levels in schools.

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets) (UK-wide policy)

The profiles also provide data on the key metabolic risk factors, namely raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and obesity and National Targets on Obesity (as of 2017)

School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (UK-wide policy)

"Applicable since 1 August 2017, the EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme combines two previous schemes (the school fruit and vegetables scheme and the school milk scheme) under a single legal framework for more efficiency and an enhanced focus on health and educational. The scheme supports the distribution of products, educational measures and information measures. The scheme supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables, milk and certain milk products to schoolchildren, from nursery to secondary school. EU countries approve a list of products (in collaboration with their health and nutrition authorities) which will help achieve the schemes objective of helping children to follow a healthy diet. Priority is for fresh fruit and vegetables and for plain milk. In order to support a varied diet and/or specific nutritional needs, EU countries may also make processed fruit and vegetables such as juices and soups and certain milk products such as yoghurt and cheese, available. Additionally, under stricter conditions, milk-based drinks may be included." - EU Commission

School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme

"Applicable since 1 August 2017, the EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme combines two previous schemes (the school fruit and vegetables scheme and the school milk scheme) under a single legal framework for more efficiency and an enhanced focus on health and educational. The scheme supports the distribution of products, educational measures and information measures. The scheme supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables, milk and certain milk products to schoolchildren, from nursery to secondary school. EU countries approve a list of products (in collaboration with their health and nutrition authorities) which will help achieve the schemes objective of helping children to follow a healthy diet. Priority is for fresh fruit and vegetables and for plain milk. In order to support a varied diet and/or specific nutritional needs, EU countries may also make processed fruit and vegetables such as juices and soups and certain milk products such as yoghurt and cheese, available. Additionally, under stricter conditions, milk-based drinks may be included." - EU Commission

EU nutrient content lists (UK-wide policy)

Passed in 2011, EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from 13 December 2016.

GNPR 2016-2017: Infant and young child nutrition - Breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (UK-wide policy)

This programme was reported by countries for the 2nd WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 module on actions related to infant and young child nutrition. Information provided by WHO GINA Programme.

GNPR 2016-2017: Infant and young child nutrition - Breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling

This programme was reported by countries for the 2nd WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 module on actions related to infant and young child nutrition. Information provided by WHO GINA Programme.

Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets (UK-wide policy)

This guidance supports the development of front of pack (FoP) nutrition labels that are compliant with the UK Health Ministers. Recommendation on the use of colour coding as an additional form of expression and with EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food in formation to consumers (EU FIC). The provision of FoP information remains voluntary, but if provided it must meet the requirements set out in the EU FIC. UPDATED 2016

Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets

This guidance supports the development of front of pack (FoP) nutrition labels that are compliant with the UK Health Ministers. Recommendation on the use of colour coding as an additional form of expression and with EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food in formation to consumers (EU FIC). The provision of FoP information remains voluntary, but if provided it must meet the requirements set out in the EU FIC. UPDATED 2016

Soft Drinks Levy (UK-wide policy)

Soft Drinks Industry Levy which encourages producers to reduce added sugar_x000D__x000D_ content in drinks, market low sugar alternatives, and reduce portion sizes for_x000D__x000D_ high sugar drinks.

The Child's Obesity Strategy (UK-wide policy)

This report calls for a ban on fast food takeaway deliveries to schools and the introduction of initiatives such as new classifications on unhealthy food and loyalty cards to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic in the UK.

Walk to School Week (UK-wide policy)

Walk to School Week is a project run by the UK charity 'Living Streets.' It uses various campaigns and projects to overcome barriers to walking and encourage millions of people in the UK to walk.

Changing Gear: A bicyle strategy for Northern Ireland

The Department for Infrastructure has outlined the kind of cycling community hoped to be seen in Northern Ireland in 25 years. The vision is “a community where people have the freedom and confidence to travel by bicycle for every day journeys”.

Guidelines on Preventing excess weight gain (NICE) (UK-wide policy)

Guidelines on how to prevent becoming overweight/obese, including interventions and activities in which weight is not the primary outcome, such as those aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes, improving mental wellbeing or increasing active travel.

Preventing excess weight gain (NICE Guidelines NG7) (UK-wide policy)

These guidelines makes recommendations on behaviours that may help people maintain a healthy weight or prevent excess weight gain.

School Food Regulations 2014 (No. 1603) (UK-wide policy)

Applicable to school lunches and food provided to students on school premises, will come into force 1 January 2015. These replace the School Food Standards of 2007.

Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation 2015 (UK-wide policy)

'This cross-government strategy will tackle head on the flatlining levels of sport participation and high levels of inactivity in this country. Through this strategy, government is redefining what success in sport means, with a new focus on five key outcomes: physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, individual development, social and community development and economic development.'

The Food Standards Agency's Strategy for 2015-2020 (UK-wide policy)

'The FSA Strategy 2015 -20 reinvigorates our pledge to put consumers first in everything we do, so that food is safe and what it says it is, that we have access to an affordable healthy diet, and can make informed choices about what we eat, now and in the future.'

Thrive Plymouth (UK-wide policy)

Thrive Plymouth is a ten year programme which aims to improve health and wellbeing in Plymouth and narrow the gap in health status between people in the city. Its objective is to generate collective action for social change around the main lifestyle choices that determine health and wellbeing in Plymouth. The programme will encourage and enable partners (residents, organisations, institutions) to support positive lifestyle choices in different settings. It encourages eating a healthy diet, leading active lifestyle, drinking sensibly and not smoking. Year one focus was the workplace, year two focus was schools and year three will be focused on the 'One You' campaign.

Annual weigh-in (UK-wide policy)

Assessment of the Academy's 10 recommendations for obesity one year on.

European Union (EU) Action Plan on Childhood Obesity 2014-2020 (UK-wide policy)

EU Action plan. To contribute to halting the rise in overweight and obesity in children and young people (0-18 years) by 2020

European Union (EU) Action Plan on Childhood Obesity 2014-2020

EU Action plan. To contribute to halting the rise in overweight and obesity in children and young people (0-18 years) by 2020

GP Guidance: Management of nutrition following bariatric surgery (UK-wide policy)

This guideline assumes that the bariatric centre will provide the first two years of_x000D__x000D_ follow up for the patient before discharging back to the care of the General_x000D__x000D_ Practitioner.

MAN v FAT (UK-wide policy)

Man V Fat is a digital magazine and social media community designed to support and champion men who want to lose weight. It also runs bootcamps and football leagues for men with a BMI of 30+.

National Clinical Guidelines: Obesity (UK-wide policy)

Clinical guidelines for the identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in children, young people and adults

National Clinical Guidelines: Obesity

Clinical guidelines for the identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in children, young people and adults

Food in Schools Policy

The Food in Schools Policy is an overarching policy advocating a whole school approach to all food provided in schools, and to the development of the necessary knowledge and skills in relation to healthy eating and lifestyles. It was developed jointly by both DHSSPS and DE in response to concerns about rising levels of overweight and obesity in children and young people.

Measuring Up: The medical profession's prescription for the nation's obesity crisis (UK-wide policy)

A report suggesting a number of policy measures to tackle obesity, a ban on junk food advertising before 9pm and recommendations on reducing the proximity of fast food outlets to schools.

Out to Lunch (UK-wide policy)

This campaign works with restaurants and pub chains to improve the food and service offered to children and families when they eat out on the high street. With the help of a team of ‘secret diner’ parents, the campaign compiled an ‘Out to Lunch’ league table, ranking 21 of Britain’s top high street chains. Out to Lunch aims to improve healthy menu development and encourages good sourcing and preparation practices.

Fitter future for all

The cross-departmental framework for preventing overweight and obesity across the life course of the population of Northern Ireland, was published in 2012 and contains a range of short, medium and long term outcomes to be delivered over the period 2012-2022. The framework aims to reduce obesity in both adults and children by increasing the proportion of people eating a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet and meeting guidelines for daily physical activity.

EU Regulation 1169/2011

Passed in 2011, EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from October 2011.

Evaluation of the EU school milk and fruit scheme (UK-wide policy)

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

Evaluation of the EU school milk and fruit scheme

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

Multidisciplinary Tier 3 weight management service (UK-wide policy)

Evaluation of this multi-disciplinary approach using focus groups revealed that participants_x000D__x000D_ described high levels of satisfaction. A Tier 3 weight management service for obese patients with complex co-morbidity was successfully delivered in a primary care setting with a full multidisciplinary team. Health outcomes were good compared with existing services.

Start Active, Stay Active (UK-wide policy)

A UK-wide document that presents guidelines on the volume, duration, frequency and type of physical activity required across the life course to achieve general health benefits. It is aimed at the NHS, local authorities and a range of other organisations designing services to promote physical activity.

The Toy Box Study (UK-wide policy)

The Toy Box intervention is a multicomponent, kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention, focusing on the promotion of water consumption, healthy snacking, physical activity and the reduction/ breaking up of sedentary time in preschool children and their families.

Healthy Stadia Network (UK-wide policy)

"At Healthy Stadia, we encourage professional and amateur sports clubs, league operators, national and international governing bodies of sport to develop their stadia and sports facilities as health-promoting environments. We do this by supporting them to adopt a range of policies and practices in support of the health of their fans, their staff and the surrounding community. The definition we give to Healthy Stadia is: Healthy Stadia are… those who promote the health of visitors, fans, players, employees and the surrounding community… places where people can go to have a positive, healthy experience playing or watching sport."

Nutritional standards for other food and drink in schools - a guide to implementation

This publication details the nutritional standards for other food and drinks in schools, which all grant‑aided schools should adhere to. This publication provides details of the standards as they apply to all food and drinks served outside of lunch time, which will include, breakfast clubs, break time services such as tuck shops, vending machines and after schools clubs. It also explains the reasons why nutritional standards have been introduced and offers practical advice on how to implement the standards

Health, Exercise and Nutrition in the Really Young (HENRY) (UK-wide policy)

"Health, Exercise and Nutrition in the Really Young (HENRY) is an eight-week obesity prevention programme currently delivered in children’s centres across the UK."

Nutritional standards for school lunches - a guide for implementation

This publication details the nutritional standards for school lunches, which all grant‑aided schools must adhere to. The standards apply to nursery, primary and post‑primary schools, and apply to all free and paid lunches

EU health and nutrient claims regulation (UK-wide policy)

Regulation nº 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health and nutrient claims. The European Commission approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and accessible consumers. The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. Nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile.

EU health and nutrient claims regulation

Regulation nº 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health and nutrient claims. The European Commission approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and accessible consumers. The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. Nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile.

Game Plan, Strategy for delivering the Government's sport and physical activity objectives (UK-wide policy)

This document describes the United Kingdom's Government objectives for sport and physical activity and identifies ways of improving Government support. It was published in 2002 by two government departments: the Social Exclusion Unit and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. The overall objectives of the plan are to increase the participation of all people in sport and to improve results in international competition.

The Eatwell Plate

The United Kingdom published its first national food model in 1994, and it has been updated since then. The national food model, then known as ‘The Balance of Good Health’, was launched in 1994. It was revised and named ‘The eatwell plate’ in 2007. The most recent model, the Eatwell Guide, was published in March 2016. The revision of the eatwell plate to the Eatwell Guide in 2016 was led by Public Health England in association with Food Standards Scotland, the Welsh Government and by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland. The Eatwell Guide has been accepted across UK government departments.

UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP Code) (UK-wide policy)

Statutory rules on advertisements for HFSS foods on TV channels dedicated to children. These regulations ban the advertising of food high in fat, sugar, and salt (as defined by a nutrient profiling model) during television programs that have particular appeal to children aged younger than 16 years. Since 2011, the provisions of the Code of Advertising Practice now apply to advertisers own websites and advertising on social media sites.

An evaluation of the UK Food Standard Agency’s salt campaign (UK-wide policy)

An evaluation of the UK Food Standard Agency’s salt campaign

CAP non-broadcast code

"The CAP non-broadcast code has rules that cover non-broadcast advertising (for example print, online), sales promotion and direct marketing (such as telesales and email). The code specifies standards for accuracy and honesty that businesses must stick to, including specific conditions, such as: advertising to children" - UK Gov. The CAP non-broadcast code includes Mandatory regulation of food advertising in non-broadcast media.

Children’s exposure to food advertising: the impact of statutory restrictions. (UK-wide policy)

Whalen R et al. (2017) Children’s exposure to food advertising: the impact of statutory restrictions. Health Promotion International, 34(2), 227‐235.

Commercial promotion of food to children

"A combination of statutory and government-approved private sector self-regulation techniques are used to control the commercial promotion of food to children. Statutory rules apply to child-targeted television advertisements for HFSS foods as defined by the nutrient profiling scheme developed by the Food Standards Agency. “Child-targeted” marketing is defined as marketing during preschool children’s programmes, during programmes made for children under the age of 16 in children’s airtime, and youth-oriented programming that attracts a significantly higher-than-average proportion of viewers younger than 16 years (the proportion of viewers under 16 is 20% higher than the general viewing population). The rules apply to commercial and public service broadcast channels and all cable and satellite channels. The objectives are to limit children’s exposure to advertising for HFSS products and to restrict the use of advertising techniques appealing to children." - WHO

Does participation in a population-based dietary intervention scheme have a lasting impact on fruit intake in young children? (UK-wide policy)

Fogarty AW et al. (2007) Does participation in a population-based dietary intervention scheme have a lasting impact on fruit intake in young children? International Journal of Epidemiology, 36(5), 1080-1085.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of front-of-pack labelling (UK-wide policy)

Sacks G et al. (2009) Impact of front-of-pack ‘traffic-light’ nutrition labelling on consumer food purchases in the UK. Health Promotion International, 24(4), 344-352.

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling (UK-wide policy)

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Living Streets (UK-wide policy)

UK charity campaigning to get everyone out walking more

MEND (Mind,Exercise,Nutrition...Do it!) 5-7 Programme (UK-wide policy)

"The MEND 5-7 programme is a comprehensive, multi-component intervention designed to tackle obesity inchildhood. The programme supports families by provid-ing information on child nutrition (based on governmenthealthy eating guidelines), active play and parenting prac-tices to help parents practically integrate these recom-mendations into everyday life. The programme uses anon-diet approach to prevent unduly restrictive eatingwhich can lead to problematic eating behaviours."

re:balance (UK-wide policy)

Weight loss programme based in Camden or Islington. You can either refer yourself or a GP can refer you._x000D__x000D_ Rebalance is a 12 week, group, weight-loss programme of exercise and dietary advice for overweight or obese adults. It covers nutritional advice, healthy-eating guidance, online, cognitive behavioural support and help to get active.

The Family Project (a multi-disciplinary family-based programme for treating childhood obesity) (UK-wide policy)

A multi-component family focused education package involving physical activity sessions and educational workshops focusing on; healthy eating, physical activity, reducing sedentary behaviour, behaviour change and psychological well being. Workshops were also delivered by a multi-disciplinary team comprising; a dietitian, physical activity health promotion officer, an educational or clinical psychologist and 2-3 physical activity instructors.