To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the proposal in the European Commission's White Paper on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity to reformulate food and drink products to combat obesity; and if he will make a statement. (148035)

We welcome the publication of the Commission's White Paper, which outlines an European Union approach to address the incidence of overweight and obesity in the region. The White Paper's proposals on reformulation complement work already underway in the United Kingdom by the Food Standards Agency to address levels of saturated fat, total fat and added sugars in a range of foods as part of the Agency's saturated fat and energy intake programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice and guidance he has issued on the consumption of different foods and drinks to tackle obesity. (148045)

As part of a healthy lifestyle, including being physically active, the Government advise that a healthy balanced diet is one that is rich in fruit and vegetables (at least five portions every day), starchy foods, such as potatoes, rice, bread, moderate amounts of meat and dairy products and low in foods that contain large amounts of fat, sugar and salt. A healthy balanced diet is low in fat, particularly saturated fat, salt and added sugars.

The Food Standards Agency has also introduced a front of pack labelling scheme recommended for those types of foods which consumers have said it is difficult to judge the nutritional content. This information can be used at a glance by consumers to help them make informed choices about the nutritional content of foods they purchase when shopping. This will also help consumers to better understand which food products make a positive contribution to a healthy diet and which should be eaten in smaller amounts or less frequently.