This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national nutrition policy actions in England. Compare England with other European countries in our NOURISHING policy index.
England takes a comprehensive approach to national nutrition and diet-related policy actions by implementing policies across the 10 policy areas of the NOURISHING framework. Two policy areas received a good assessment: limits or removal of specific nutrients in food products (I1), and increasing public awareness of healthy eating through communication campaigns and social marketing based on food-based dietary guidelines (I2).
Within policy areas, weaknesses and gaps were identified in advertising and marketing unhealthy foods to young people, including in or around schools and through point-of-sale measures, product packaging or sponsorship (R). Further, lack of measures targeting the food and drinks available in the immediate vicinity of schools and to limit sugar-sweetened beverage provision in schools impacted otherwise well-designed food standards on food available in schools (O). More can be done to strengthen existing rules and incentives to improve the retail environments (S), as well as to improve nutrition education in schools for teachers and health professionals (G).
Greater attention should be given to improving food system coherence with health by strengthening public food procurement policies (H) as a poor assessment was achieved. Improvements should be made in advertising to young people (R), nutrition advice and counselling in healthcare settings (N2) and nutrition education and skills (G) beyond a fair assessment.
Download a full analysis and breakdown of England’s results
This country snapshot presents detailed results of the NOURISHING policy index for England. Full index results are outlined in the NOURISHING policy brief (pdf), which compares England with other European countries and explains the methods for producing this snapshot and the index.
The index assesses if national government policy actions exist across all areas of the NOURISHING framework and, if so, how well designed they are. We produced this assessment by benchmarking policies from England, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our NOURISHING database.
We also have snapshots of physical activity policies in 30 European countries. Visit the England page or see all the country snapshots.
The policy landscape in any country evolves over time. These findings reflect our knowledge as of May 2023. To provide feedback or suggest updates, please get in touch.
Fill in our feedback form or email the team policy@wcrf.org
