The Consumers' Association has urged the government to act following the publication of new research which shows seven in 10 consumers think more should be done to promote healthy eating.

Forum Response: Consumers' Association

Nick Stace, campaigns director for the Consumers' Association, said:  "With a third of all cancers now caused by bad diet and childhood obesity spiralling out of control we have called time on the government's fudge on nutrition.

"So far despite some well positioned PR tactics, the government has shown no policy, no vision, no joined up thinking and no objectives to address the crisis.

"No doubt the government will come up with a series of industry compromises but we just can't afford to compromise on health.

"Clearly while the government drags its feet, there is no incentive for industry to take action.  How much higher does the death toll need to be before the government stops allowing industry to dictate policy over public health in this way?"

Forum Response: British Retail Consortium

Richard Ali, director of Food Policy at the BRC, said: "Retailers have long argued that government must do more to promote balanced diets as part of healthy lifestyle. The BRC believes this is best achieved by a cohesive national strategy to tackle public health issues, including diet and exercise.

"We will continue to caution against any artificial segregation of foods into 'good' or 'bad'. Such wrong thinking has no scientific underpinning and could lead to serious unforeseen consequences.

"For instance it would be in no one's interest to see a further fall in iron or calcium intake if meat and dairy products were misrepresented as 'bad'.

"The proponents of such food demonisation need to reconsider their opposition to certain foods in light of the need to encourage a balanced, varied and enjoyable diet. The majority of the population want food to be fun not proscribed.

"It will be impossible for people to adopt healthy, balanced diets if they have become unnecessarily afraid of the food they eat because of the angst created by the food demonisers."

Forum Response: Canderel

A spokesman for Canderel told ePolitix.com: "We welcome the Consumers' Association report, 'Health warning to government'. We agree that joined-up thinking is needed in addressing the rise of obesity in the UK.

"However, responsibility for the problem concerns not only government, but also industry, the voluntary sectors and individuals.

"Canderel is getting involved in the debate as we hope to play a role in facilitating a change in consumer behaviour, and promoting a healthy and balanced diet. Canderel can play its part by offering an alternative to sugar - switching to a low calorie sweetener can have a significant impact on peoples' daily calorie intake - including children.

"As a leading consumer brand, we have a good understanding of consumers’ needs and wants and we can therefore contribute to the debate by helping to develop strategies around changing eating behaviours for a healthier lifestyle.

"We agree with the recommendations set out the report, and feel that labelling is a particularly significant aspect of the debate.

"Clear labelling and description of sweetener alternatives is necessary in order to help consumers make informed choices, allowing them to control levels of sugar intake in their diets and reducing the risk of obesity.

"Honest and transparent consumer communication about products, their ingredients and claims is a responsibility which can not be neglected by the industry."