Dairy UK Highlights “Crucial Issue” Of Public Health

25 Oct 2013 --- Dairy UK has said today the ‘crucial’ issue of public health is set to become of paramount importance for the dairy industry both in UK and internationally.

Speaking to prominent figures at the International Dairy Federation in Japan ahead of next week’s World Dairy Summit, Dr Judith Bryans, recently appointed chief executive of Dairy UK, said: “ The dairy industry has so much to be proud of but it is imperative that we stay ahead of the game particularly on issues that will present increasing challenges to the industry".

"In this context, the issues of public health, sustainable diets and food security will become more prominent on the world dairy stage and it is incumbent on the dairy industries in their respective countries to work progressively with all levels of government to ensure a regulatory and legislative level playing field.”

"In the UK this will become an increasingly important part of Dairy UK’s work. Dairy farmers and processors provide the consumer with much loved, safe and nutritious foods which we must ensure remain an integral part of the UK diet.”

“We already enjoy enormous support from the public. In the UK we are in 98% of households and we are major employer.”

“However, we must strive to ensure the public's continued support and a major aspect of that is to ensure they have confidence in dairy products and that these products have a major role to play in a healthy balanced diet.”

“There are far too many scare stories bandied about irresponsibly about dairy and we in the industry have a duty to ensure that consumers can make informed choices based on accurate information.”

“Of course there must be robust legislation and regulation of our industry but all too often we see regulators and opinion formers base their policies on outdated and emotive information without scrutiny.”

“We would like to see more enthusiastic support from Governments for our products and the role they play in the nation's diet as well as for the industry and the very significant contribution it makes.”