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Government plans to tackle obesity could soon have a major impact on food manufacturers and retailers. In a bid to stem rising obesity rates in children, the Government published a white paper recommending both the banning of junk food adverts before 9pm and a 'traffic light' system to identify unhealthy foods.

According to Government statistics, obesity in children has jumped to 16 per cent in those between the ages of six and 16, a five percentage-point increase from 1990. In adults, 21 per cent of men and 23 per cent of women are regarded as obese, with a more worrying 46 per cent of men and 32 per cent of women defined as 'overweight'.

To combat what is termed a 'runaway epidemic of obesity', the white paper proposes that food manufacturers label food according to fat, sugar and salt content. Foods containing high levels will carry a red warning, nutritious but fatty foods will be labelled amber and healthy foods green.

The Food and Drink Federation hit back with spokesperson Christine Fisk claiming the labelling was simplistic and 'demonising' food with nutritional value. No doubt AIM's many sweet food processors — Glisten, Inter Link, Finsbury Foods, The Real Good Food Company and Napier Brown Foods — will be watching future progress with keen interest.