The British public wants the Government to take action to make Britain healthier, according to a report published last month by the Faculty of Public Health (FPH).
Healthy Nudges: When the Public Wants Change and the Politicians Don’t Know It [pdf]
The report found public backing for a range of Public Health interventions including compulsory sport in schools, clear food labelling and banning smoking in cars carrying children. In respect of alcohol, a survey to inform the report found:
- 82% of the public believes that manufacturers should be required to print detailed information about the calories and units on alcohol containers
- A narrow margin between public support and opposition to minimum pricing for supermarkets with 45% in support and 44% against
- 51% public opposition to banning supermarkets offers such as 'buy one get one free' with 41% in support
The report claims there are 'obvious risks' in the new Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's de-regulatory approach in favour of action to encourage 'personal responsibility'. It suggests that 'while focusing on personal responsibility, enhancing self-esteem and empowering healthy choices can be effective, these often need the additional support of government action at national or local level'. The report emphasises the success of measures such as the smoke-free legislation and laws to make seat belt use compulsory, warning against the costly and time-limited effectiveness of awareness campaigns.
The Coalition Government is due to release its Public Health White Paper before the end of the year, expected to detail the creation of a new Public Health Service. It is also yet to announce whether it will pursue mandatory labelling on alcohol products following concerns over poor adherence to the voluntary code.
moderation is something that not many people use at the moment and this seams to be one of the main problems
Posted by: Protein Shakes | Monday, December 06, 2010 at 09:20 PM