The multiple retailers' market share for organic food fell for the first time in five years, from 82 per cent to 81 per cent, despite the overall value of organic sales through supermarkets growing by 8.7 per cent. The figures are revealed in the Soil Associations Organic Food and Farming Report 2003.
After considerable growth between 1997 and 1999, sales of organic food directly from farmers became static, as competing supermarkets expanded their organic range.
However, the percentage of organic food sold through supermarkets fell last year, suggesting that while many people make their first purchases of organic food from supermarkets, their purchases from local outlets increase as they become more committed to organics.
Food manufacturers and retailers must set a target date for reducing salt in their products or face new labelling controls. Melanie Johnson, public health minister, told the industry at a salt summit in London that unless they take action by February 2004 tough measures could follow. A possibility is for manufacturers to be forced to label foods "high in salt".
Supermarket giant Sainsbury's has reportedly announced plans to reduce levels of salt in a number of own-brand products over the next three years.
The Food Standards Agency has published a discussion paper and launched a website addressing the issue of the promotion of foods that could improve children's diets and health.
Sir John Krebs, Chair of the Food Standards Agency said: "We already know that many children's diets contain more fat, sugar and salt than is recommended. We know that the level of obesity in children [...] is a health time bomb that could explode."
The report proposes actions including research, building on existing guidance, best practice, and new regulation. New measures could cover sponsorship, advertising, labelling, endorsements, in-store activity and loyalty schemes.
