TOOLS TO FIX THE UK FOOD SYSTEM
Can regulation nudge us to the food system that the UK needs? And what does this mean for business?
This week, Veris HQ has been abuzz with lively discussion and excited agreement around the recommendations in the new report Regulatory Tools for a Healthy and Sustainable Diet by the University of Reading (Hilson, Riefa and Noussia, 2025). This report looks at the most fundamental framework we have as a nation to outline the behaviours and outcomes that we want: regulation.
Transforming the UK food system is crucial not only for public health and environmental sustainability (and therefore, again, public health) but also for the resilience and ultimately, long-term viability of UK food businesses. Target-setting, economic incentives and labelling were three themes that stood out to us as particularly important. Whatever stage of the journey you are on as a business, these are three key areas that you need to start to make progress on.
Sharpening targets
Setting clear targets is essential for guiding businesses toward sustainable practices. The report emphasises the need for more concrete binding targets on health and sustainability, including dietary guidelines and nutrient profiling models. For instance, the UK government should set reduction targets for meat and dairy that align with its 2050 net zero commitments. These targets not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also enhance brand reputation and stakeholder trust.
However, the effectiveness of targets depends on their specificity and measurability. The report’s authors explain that targets should be science-based and distinguish between intensity-based and absolute targets to avoid "healthwashing" or "greenwashing". Guidance on targets and disclosures are key discussions for food businesses right now, and we welcome investigations into science-based targets for health and environmental labelling. In order to move forward, we need a common standard - a rising ocean that carries all boats.
What does this mean for food businesses?
Conduct life cycle assessments (LCAs) to provide a data-driven understanding of a product’s environmental footprint, helping to identify priority areas for action
Gather nutritional information to ensure full understanding of the products including NPM (Nutrient Profile Model) scores, FOP (Front of Packaging labelling) rating, Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) and UK government salt, sugar and calorie targets in order to evaluate products against
Develop a scoring mechanism to evaluate each product based on lifecycle emissions and healthiness
Pilot the initiative with a small product set first to enable testing and refining the approach before scaling
Set specific sales and reformulation targets, aligned to regulatory goals and best practice, that represent and address the key products. For example, clear goals to increase the proportion of plant-based protein sales; reducing sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, while increasing beneficial ingredients like fibre
The push of the pound: economic incentives
It’s clear that economic instruments, such as taxes and subsidies, offer powerful incentives for businesses to embrace more sustainable practices. The UK's Soft Drinks Industry Levy has shown success in reducing sugar content in drinks. It’s unsurprising then that the report suggests extending such levies to other processed foods and those containing high amounts of salt to further promote healthier and more sustainable production. Additionally, subsidies for farmers transitioning to regenerative or organic practices can encourage environmental sustainability without placing undue burdens on businesses. We wait with bated breath to see the government’s next steps to try to alleviate pressure from UK farmers.
The recommendation to bring agriculture within the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) or introduce an agricultural GHG emissions tax will be seen as a further burden on farmers. The approach aligns with the polluter pays principle, but in reality, pollution is apparent at multiple points in our complex food system. Only by addressing the problems of our food production through the lens of systems thinking will we avoid calls of vilification and actually have a chance of shifting to food production that is both healthy and sustainable. We’re encouraged by knowing that food businesses are starting conversations with ‘How do we make the shift?’ or ‘What will happen if we don’t?’.
What does this mean for food businesses?
Stay informed about legal and regulatory changes affecting the food industry to ensure your business can anticipate potential expansion of levies. Involve finance teams to provide clear financials on the commercial case for reformulation (both costs and also opportunities due to the shifting consumer demands)
Deepen active engagement with suppliers and farmers in agricultural supply chain transformation to support transitions to regenerative, organic and lower-carbon farming practices. Invest in pilot programs, offer supply chain incentives, and collaborate on sustainable sourcing initiatives
Actively engaged with industry bodies, cross-sector partnerships and government forums to be part of actively shaping policy that can help ensure a fair transition
Clear and present labelling
At Veris, we recognise and appreciate the holistic approach to communications that runs through the report’s recommendations.
Recognising that labelling alone has a limited impact on consumer behaviour change, the report identifies that to engage and inform people successfully, information about food products’ health and sustainability needs public education and a consistent, complete and comprehensive approach. Assessing products and portfolios in terms of health scores and emissions’ life cycle assessments is now accepted benchmarking, and mandated, science-based methodologies would increase understanding, accelerate collaboration and integrations as well as provide clearer transparency for stakeholders from consumers, investors, buyers etc
What does this mean for food businesses?
Adopt clear, science-based and standardised labelling including mandated methodologies for health and sustainability metrics
Be as transparent in your communications on the actions and learnings
Develop a multi-channel communications strategy that educates and inspires consumers on healthier and more sustainable choices to help inform purchasing decisions
Tools for success
While some might argue that regulatory tools stifle innovation, we believe they provide a necessary framework for sustainable growth. Like it or not the UK food system is changing. Because it has to.
Ensuring our regulation supports this change gives UK food businesses the best chance of thriving. Helping your business prepare for this success is what we at Veris do best. We have the tools. Let’s build a better food system.
“A good tool improves the way you work. A great tool improves the way you think.”
Jeff Duntemann