Government gives money to junk-food makers to make healthier products
Junk-food companies have been handed huge grants by the government to pay for the development of healthier snack foods, in an attempt to cut back on Britain's obesity.
The Business Department is investing millions of pounds of taxpayers' money to fund new technologies and healthier ingredients, including cutting back the fat in some of the biggest junk food products.
Producers of junk food that have been given the grants include Walkers Crisps, Wrigley’s chewing gum, Walls ice-cream and Pot Noodles.
However, some critics have spoken out over the £2.9 million which has been handed over, saying the government shouldn't be using taxpayers' cash to pay for the research, as the ultimate goal is commercial gain for the companies involved.
They also argue that businesses such as these already benefit from tax breaks to carry out research, and should therefore be able to fund their developments themselves.
In March 2011, 170 companies signed up to a voluntary deal, and pledged to cut the salt levels calories in their products. More than 390 businesses have now signed up to the Public Health Responsibility Deal.
Emily Bancroft
Tagged in food Food Facts