§ Sir David Priceasked the Prime Minister what steps the Government are taking to implement the recommendations to Government in chapter 2.6 of the report of the panel on diet in relation to cardiovascular disease (1984) which involves a number of Departments and their co-operation.
§ The Prime MinisterThe relevant Government Departments are working closely together to implement the report's recommendations. The joint advisory 887W committee on nutrition education (JACNE) of the British Nutrition Foundation and the Health Education Council has been asked to translate the scientific advice contained in the report into practical dietary guidance, in the first instance for the public. The application of this guidance to schools, in terms of classroom material and in other ways, is under consideration.
Discussions are taking place between Government Departments and the food industry on the fat content labelling of food, in an informal working group which was set up before the report was published. The various sectors of the food industry are also being asked to consider the possibilities for the reformulation of foods so as to reduce fat and salt content. Ways of encouraging the production of leaner carcases in sheep, cattle and pigs are also under consideration.
The report's recommendations for changes in the common agricultural policy will be borne in mind in our negotiations with our European partners. The Department of Health is considering how best to take forward the report's recommendations about those at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and research into simpler and cheaper methods of measuring blood lipids.