Campaigners Urge Bold Actions to Combat Rising Heart Disease in UK
Health campaigners are calling for cigarette-style warning labels on everyday foods, additional taxes on salty products and a ban on junk food sponsorship in sports. The British Heart Foundation estimates these measures could save up to 11,000 lives annually in England by 2035. Despite industry resistance, public health groups support stringent regulations to tackle unhealthy diets.
Health campaigners are advocating for cigarette-style warning labels on everyday foods, additional taxes on salty products, and a ban on junk food sponsorship in sports to mitigate the rising deaths from heart disease.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) suggests that these measures could save up to 11,000 lives annually in England by 2035.
The BHF is also pressing for bans on junk food advertising on billboards and radio, and policies to make food products more nutritious by reducing salt and sugar levels.
The charity’s 22-page action plan proposes a new levy on salt and sugar, which could prevent nearly 2 million chronic disease cases and generate up to £3 billion annually.
Recently, Keir Starmer signaled potential government's readiness to take robust public health actions, such as banning smoking in certain outdoor areas.
Despite resistance from the food industry, which cites significant investment in product reformulation, public health groups led by figures like Jamie Oliver's Bite Back, support stringent regulations to address unhealthy diets.
The Department of Health and Social Care recognizes cardiovascular disease as a leading killer and mentions existing initiatives like increased health checks in workplaces.