Government must show strong leadership to supermarkets
News release: Sunday 17th February 2008
Sustainable Development Commission report says too many supermarket practices are unhealthy, unjust and unsustainable
An SDC review of policies affecting supermarkets has concluded that government cannot successfully combat obesity, waste and climate change without a concerted approach to harness the power of supermarkets.
Over 70% of UK groceries are sold by four supermarket chains - Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons. While the government maintains an official 'hands-off' approach to supermarkets, the SDC found over 20 Scottish Government and almost one hundred Westminister policy responsibilities related to supermarkets and food.
Professor Tim Lang, SDC Commissioner said: |
Conflicting policies from different areas of government are making it impossible to achieve government targets. For example, advice to eat more fish is cutting across attempts to preserve endangered fish stocks. Supermarkets and consumers are confused over the relative merits of ‘local’ food versus the value to overseas development of foods such as green beans airfreighted from Kenya.
Despite some encouraging initiatives, too many supermarket products and practices are still unhealthy, unjust and unsustainable.
The Sustainable Development Commission identifies six priority areas for government and supermarket action:
• waste
• nutrition and obesity
• climate change
• fair supply chains
• ecosystems and water
- Read the full press release
- Read more about the Green, Healthy and Fair report
