28 May 2025
Whilst a coalition of citizens, charities, caterers, hospitals and schools have been getting more minimally processed foods onto the nation’s plates, ultra-processed foods still dominate our diets.
British people eat more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) than anyone else in Europe: they make up 65% of our children’s diets and over 50% of our shopping baskets. A substantial body of research has found diets rich in ultra-processed food are associated with an increased risk of chronic ill health and disease.
“Robust Government support for whole, minimally processed diets would have a positive impact on the nation’s health, as well as supporting our homegrown fruit, veg, grains and livestock. Food for Life has been championing freshly prepared menus with caterers, schools, hospitals and more for over a decade – we know we’re not alone in thinking that Government’s role ought to be prioritising public health over generating profit for UPF manufacturers.”
Just as ultra-processed diets have been associated with harm, minimally processed diets are associated with improved health outcomes.
Re-balancing diets towards whole foods, plus healthier processed foods, would simultaneously improve population health and help address social inequalities.
The Soil Association has obtained emails via the Freedom of Information Act which show that the ultra-processed food industry has blocked Government attempts to support shops to promote deals on healthy foods which would make them more affordable.
It seems that UPF company profits have been prioritised over public health. We think this is wrong.
For over 20 years, we've been been working with schools, nurseries and caterers across the UK to get meals that are at least 75% freshly prepared with whole and minimally processed ingredients on our plates. Through our work we’ve seen thousands of plates transformed by the increasing awareness of and access to good food. Whether it’s school pupils trying home-grown fruit or customers enjoying vibrant and healthy meals served by Food for Life caterers, the impact of making good food available for all can’t be understated.
Now, we’re on a mission to make whole and minimally processed foods famous. We’ve launched a petition calling on government to make minimally processed food accessible to all.
Join us in calling for the UK government's Food Strategy to resist the influence of the ultra-processed food industry and make it easy for everyone to enjoy a minimally processed diet.
Please sign our petition and share widely! Thanks so much for your help!