05/06/2025
Well done Riverford 👏
Soil Association have launched a campaign demanding that the UK government resist the influence of ultra-processed food industry and make minimally processed food accessible to all.
Campaigners at Soil Association submitted a Freedom of Information Request, and found that food giants had successfully lobbied the Government to back down on plans to promote healthy, minimally processed food. They found that over 1800 emails on the subject were sent between food lobbyists and the Department of Health and Social Care in just one year.
We're fully in support of their campaign - which is asking for people to sign their petition.
“As a nation increasingly dependent on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), it’s hugely disappointing to see the government abandon plans to support healthier eating, especially when that decision came after pressure from the same food manufacturers who profit most from UPFs," says Riverford Food Lead, Emily Lloyd.
"This feels like a step backwards at a time when people need more help to eat well, not less.
"We know that diets high in UPFs are linked to serious health problems. But the answer isn’t to blame people, it’s to make real, nourishing food easier to find, afford and enjoy.
"Backing retailers to promote fruit, veg and simple, wholesome food would have been a positive step in the right direction. Instead, it shows that the voices of big food manufacturers are still being put ahead of what’s best for our health.
"At Riverford, we believe food should be something people feel connected to. We try to make it easier and more joyful to cook from scratch, with seasonal veg at the heart of every meal.”
You can find out more about their campaign, and sign their petition here: https://www.soilassociation.org/causes-campaigns/ultra-processed-foods/tell-the-whole-truth-about-ultra-processed-foods/