From an SFDF perspective, there are two main points, which underpin all other more specific points made later in this submission. These points are:

1. Diet & Health: Working Together - The food industry recognises it has a part to play in addressing diet and health concerns. Indeed, it is our view that greater impact and consistency (in terms of message) can be achieved in this area when all interested parties work together - including the food chain, government, regulators and educators. Therefore, SFDF would urge FSA (Scotland) to ensure that it works closely with the industry – from an early stage.

The food industry has already demonstrated it can work effectively with government and other agencies on public health initiatives (e.g. in relation to achieving reductions in salt levels in processed food products).

2. Whole Diet, Whole Lifestyle Approach - It is our view that a whole diet and whole lifestyle approach – with at least equal importance attached to physical activity as diet - is what will succeed in improving health.

Therefore, within a whole diet approach, it is questionable if initiatives such as the proposed nutrient specifications are strictly necessary at all. For instance, the consumption of some foods with higher salt or fat levels should be perfectly fine, as long as they are not consumed all the time or to excess.