The open meeting, entitled ‘Who is responsible for what we eat?’ provided an opportunity to debate the various influences on consumers’ food consumption behaviours and food choices, whilst also giving the general public an opportunity to see the workings of the Food Safety Consultative Council.
According to Ms Veronica Campbell, Chair, Food Safety Consultative Council, the open meeting gives members of the public and the food industry the opportunity to highlight issues of importance or concern to them in relation to food which can be placed on the agenda for the FSAI for consideration and action where appropriate.
“Our theme this year is highly relevant in an environment where we are seeing rising obesity rates and pressures on consumer spend. The open meeting allows both sides of the debate to put forward their current thinking and views on where the responsibility for what we eat lies. Is it food marketers, individual choice, access to available foods or Government regulation?” Ms Campbell said.
Advertising expert Orlaith Blaney, Chief Executive, McCannBlue spoke on the growing issue of obesity stating that whilst no one forces us to put food in our mouths, a complex web of influences can lead people to eat more than needed. Ms Blaney cited research which shows that 2 in 3 of Irish consumers say parents are largely responsible for obesity, with the fast food industry, soft drink, confectionery and snacks industries being cited as also having a role to play.
“Advertising plays a role. We make food and drinks look delicious and appetising, but the main aim of advertising is to get consumers to choose one brand over the other, as opposed to encouraging consumers to eat or drink bigger volumes. Advertising is one element, product placement in TV programmes, integrated campaigns in-store and online, as well as portion size and ultimately, what our parents eat are all influences on what we eat and when. Everyone has a role to play in the responsibility debate from the food and drink companies through to the Government, society and even advertising agencies,” Ms Blaney concluded.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Alan Reilly, Chief Executive said that current lifestyles in Ireland are contributing to one of the serious public health problems for decades – obesity.
“While we are all individually responsible for the food we eat, making the healthy choice can be challenging. Economics, environment, education and proximity to shops and food markets will all impact on the type and source of foods we eat. The government has a specific role in ensuring foods offered for sale are safe and that foods are labelled so that consumers can make informed choices.”
The food industry has a window of opportunity to voluntarily move to reformulation of processed foods leading to healthier options with reduced fat and sugar. Failing to take the lead in this area will result in more stringent regulation and tighter controls to assist consumers make the healthier choices”, stated Prof. Reilly.
