Criticism
Concerns have been raised about the BNF's close relationship with the food industry. The BNF receives funding from almost every large food manufacturer and distributor in the UK, including Tate and Lyle, Nestle, PepsiCo, McDonalds and Sainsburys.
Furthermore, Paul Hebblethwaite, a member of the BNF board of trustees and its former chairman, has had "a distinguished career in the food industry working for a number of major companies including Cadbury-Schweppes and Chivers-Hartley". He is also chairman of the Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery Trade Association. Many other members of the organisation’s board of trustees and oversight committees are or have been employees of the food industry.
The BNF is open about its intention to shape UK Government policy on food, and this has led to concerns that it is serving as a lobbying group for the food industry which largely funds it. Derek Shrimpton, former director general, has been quoted as saying: "In the period I was there the foundation was solely taken up with defence actions for the industry." He said that the foundation had been constantly engaged in frustrating government committees aiming to recommend reductions in sugars, salt, and fats.
Read more about this topic: British Nutrition Foundation
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