Food: Labelling
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to publish the evidence base underpinning the 2018 Nutrient Profiling Model.
Answered by Mrs Sharon Hodgson
The new Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) aligns with the latest United Kingdom dietary recommendations, particularly on free sugars and fibre, ensuring it reflects current evidence and remains a robust, evidence-based tool for identifying less healthy foods.
The new NPM is based on a review of the UK NPM 2004/05 to reflect changes to UK dietary recommendations since its development, which was undertaken by the former Public Health England, with the advice of an independent expert group, the NPM Expert Group.
The NPM Expert Group agreed not to develop a model from first principles, including making modifications to the theoretical basis of the UK NPM 2004/05. This included changing the base from per 100 grams to per portion size, which was extensively considered during the development of the NPM 2004/05.
The evidence base and modelling underpinning the NPM 2018 was published as part of the 2018 consultation, which is available at the following link:
Following the consultation, the NPM Expert Group considered the feedback, undertook further modelling, and agreed a final updated NPM.
The Government published the new NPM on 27 January. This includes the NPM 2018 Review and Consultation Outcome, associated UK NPM technical guidance, the UK NPM Expert Group responses to the points raised in the 2018 consultation, and the further modelling undertaken by the UK NPM Expert Group.
The Government will always be guided by the evidence. This is the first update to the NPM in 20 years. There are no further updates to the model planned, including consideration of portion size.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →