IGD outlines support to create transparent food system

IGD has outlined its support for the ambition to create a more transparent food system and the need for more consistent data.

The analysts said such a move will enable businesses to make better decisions and inform consumers’ choices.

Susan Barratt, CEO of IGD, said developing a reliable set of metrics and methodologies for data collection “adds value” to the food system.

A key policy set out in the publication of the Government Food Strategy, is The Food Data Transparency Partnership which in addition to working with industry to develop a set of corporate metrics across health, sustainability and animal welfare, will provide consumers with the information to make more sustainable, ethical, and healthier food choices.

This will include developing a mandatory methodology that must be used by those who want to produce eco labels or make claims about the sustainability of their products.

In welcoming the aim to develop a mandatory methodology, Barratt said of those who want to produce eco labels: “This will build on the work IGD is leading with DEFRA, the wider industry and WRAP in developing a uniform approach to environmental labelling for the UK food sector.”

In addition, IGD welcomed the confirmation that government will undertake a programme of randomised control trials to develop a suite of evidence based and value for money interventions to encourage and enable healthier and more sustainable diets, with the findings informing future government policy.

IGD said it is currently working with 20 organisations across industry and the University of Leeds to collaboratively test behaviours in real-life settings and identify the most effective ways to drive “positive and tangible” change.

Barratt continued: “We look forward to sharing the results of our real-life trials, using the findings to work with government to build the evidence base. The trials take us on the journey of realising our longer-term ambition, to establish what levers truly inspire sustained behaviour change and help our industry to adopt best practice and create wide-reaching social impact.

“We know from our conversations with businesses across our industry that there is a real desire to find a clear way forward and to help deliver a long-term positive change to Britain’s food system.”

Related content