Committee publication · Correspondence · 25 February 2026
Correspondence from the Food and Drink Federation- follow up from 3 December session
From: Health and Social Care Committee
Inquiry: Food and Weight Management
Summary
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) responds to the Health and Social Care Committee's inquiry into Food and Weight Management, confirming three ministerial meetings with the Department of Health and Social Care between January 2021 and January 2026. The FDF reports that 50–60% of the industry's R&D spend (£167m–£200m in 2024) was dedicated to healthier product innovation, and emphasises the need for clear, stable government policy to support sustained investment in reformulation.
Key findings
- FDF held only three meetings with DHSC ministers over the 5-year period: July 2021 (Jo Churchill, advertising restrictions), May 2022 (Sajid Javid roundtable), and July 2025 (Ashley Dalton, 10-Year Health Plan). All were initiated by DHSC.
- Between 50–60% of the food and drink industry's R&D spend in 2024 (£167m–£200m) was dedicated to healthier product innovation.
- FDF does not maintain granular records of individual members' investment splits due to commercial sensitivity, nor comprehensive records of investment decisions on product development.
- The FDF states that clear and stable government policy is essential to support sustained investment in reformulation, given long lead times required for effective programmes.
- FDF emphasises the significant reductions in sugar, salt and calories achieved over the past 10 years and commits to evidence-based, collaborative working with government and the wider food sector.
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Layla Moran MP, Kate Halliwell, Food and Drink Federation, Jo Churchill, Sajid Javid, Ashley Dalton MP, Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Notable line
“… clear and stable government policy is essential to support sustained investment, especially given long lead times required for effective reformulation programmes.”
Key Quotes
“FDF and our members fully recognise the need for continued progress, building upon the significant reductions in sugar, salt and calories in the last 10 years.”
“… clear and stable government policy is essential to support sustained investment, especially given long lead times required for effective reformulation programmes.”
“… between 50-60% of the industry's R&D spend (or £167m-£200m) was dedicated to healthier product innovation in”
“… in the 5-year period from January 2021 to January 2026, FDF has had three meetings with Department of Health and Social Care Ministers.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗