Over 100 organisations demand landmark UK Good Food Bill

More than 100 organisations, including major supermarkets, food manufacturers, investors, caterers, NGOs and academics, have united to call on the UK Government to introduce a landmark Good Food Bill, warning that a failing food system threatens national security and public health.

The coalition, led by The Food Foundation, Sustain and Green Alliance, issued a joint statement today urging ministers to commit to new primary legislation that would introduce long-term targets and legal duties across government to ensure healthy food is accessible and affordable for all. Crucially, the group argues that only coordinated legislative action can deliver the systemic reform required across the food chain.

This call comes amid clear public demand for stronger government action. New polling shows 69 percent of people believe the government should be doing more to ensure everyone can afford and access healthy food, while 65 percent support a ‘Food Bill’ that would introduce formal duties and targets on public bodies.

Against this backdrop, the coalition says a forthcoming Food Strategy White Paper represents “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to set out a single, visionary plan to transform England’s food system for health, the economy and the planet. It warns that recent global shocks, extreme climatic events and rising food prices have exposed the fragility of the current system and underline the urgent need for an integrated, cross-government approach.

Legislation central to long-term food system reform

Building on this, the statement stresses that only primary legislation, embedding food system impact targets and long-term statutory duties, can deliver the coordinated reform required to achieve food security, meet net zero and nature-positive commitments, tackle obesity and reduce inequalities. In doing so, it highlights the central role of good food in supporting economic productivity and long-term growth.

Anna Taylor, Executive Director at The Food Foundation, said lasting progress depends on legislation rather than short-term policy action. She added:

Governments can achieve important wins within a single term, but only legislation can lock in change, providing certainty and protecting progress from shifting political priorities.

With food strategies and legislation already in place across the devolved nations, this is a timely opportunity for Westminster to introduce legislation that benefits the whole UK. We are calling on the Government to seize this moment, commit to new primary legislation and lead the change needed to build a food system fit for the future.”

Alongside policy leaders, major food businesses are also backing the call, signalling growing industry recognition that long-term policy clarity is essential for investment and resilience. Supporters include Marks & Spencer, Danone, Co-op Group, Bidfood, The Compleat Food Group and major caterers Elior and Sodexo.

Reinforcing the industry perspective, Andrew Clappen, Director of Food Technology at M&S Food, said:

To ensure national food security, we need a strong cross-Government commitment which is supported by industry to increase domestic food supply. We support this call for a Good Food Bill, to refocus our national approach to build sustainable supply chains, increase investment in climate resilience and support farmers and growers to put nutritious food on our plates.”

Looking ahead, the coalition argues that aligned trade policy, smart investment, consistent standards and clear legal targets could unlock innovation, strengthen domestic production and build more resilient, sustainable supply chains. Ultimately, the group believes this would create new opportunities for growth across the food sector.

With devolved nations already advancing food system legislation, the signatories say Westminster now has a critical opportunity to establish a durable policy foundation capable of transforming the UK food system for present and future generations.