I was quoted by Packaging News on Public Health England’s proposed calorie cap for supermarket and restaurant foods. Can read the full quote down below, or on their website.

Bill Wirtz, policy analyst for the Consumer Choice Center (CCC) said that the UK government needs to step in. “The intentions of PHE are understandable, but rectifying the bad nutritional habits and lack of exercise of some with outright bans for others is just blatantly unfair,” said Wirtz.

“In October, Public Health England indicated that more than 37 percent of 10 and 11 year-olds in London are overweight or obese. It is often mistakenly argued that this is caused by high energy intake, but the obesity rates are dependent on the physical activity, which according to the Public Health England has decreased by 24 per cent since the 1960s. Daily calorie intake in the UK is also decreasing each decade. It’s exercise many people are lacking.

“Nobody is denying that we could all lose weight by only living on water and crispbread, but being a free society means being able to enjoy a pizza, a burger or an ice-cream when you like. Educating rather than banning should be our aim.

“Ultimately it’s the government that needs to make the decisions regarding these proposed bans on food items. Even a simple execution of PHE’s recommendations would be clear message that this government does not believe in informed and responsible consumers. We’ll take notes,” said Wirtz