News

Public Health England’s new Eatwell Guide has revised proportions of food groups, which public sector caterers use to meet official advice and nutrient requirements.

The guide replaces the eatwell plate and has been refreshed to reflect updated dietary recommendations, including those on sugar, fibre and starchy carbohydrates from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) report on Carbohydrates and Health in 2015.

A greater prominence has been placed on fruit, vegetables and starchy carbohydrates in the new guide and sugary soft drinks have been removed from the image.

Foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar have been moved to the periphery of the guide, reflecting advice that they are not an essential part of a healthy balanced diet.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said: “On the whole, cutting back on foods and drinks that are high in saturated fat, salt, sugar and calories would improve our diets, helping to reduce obesity and the risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease and some cancers.

“A smoothie, together with fruit juice, now only counts as 1 of your 5 A Day and should be drunk with a meal as it’s high in sugar.”

In response to the launch of the new guide the head of nutrition at The Children’s Food Trust has welcomed the changes, but called for further information on portion sizes.

Patricia Mucavele, said: "The Eatwell guide is used in classrooms every day to help children learn about what a healthy diet means.

“And what children will now see when they look at this is how much they should eat overall from each food group and the types of foods and drinks they should have, which is great progress. We're particularly pleased to see that water is being promoted.

"We still think there's a clear place for better information on what makes a healthy portion size for children at different ages to help parents at the supermarket, in restaurants, and when they're cooking for children at home.

“We look forward to progress on this to support the government's wider work to reduce child obesity."