PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Nutrition: Health Education (15 June 2016)

The Eatwell Guide is suitable for everyone over the age of five years to follow and intends to assist the population in choosing a varied and balanced diet to meet government dietary recommendations (such as those for calcium).

Departmental officials were observers on the External Reference Group that advised Public Health England on methodological approaches to refreshing the Eatwelll Guide. Government advice continues to encourage consumption of dairy products as part of a healthy, balanced diet for all age groups.

An external reference group was convened to consult with stakeholders during the development of the Eatwell Guide. This group comprised representatives from health, dietetic and nutrition professions (including those with expertise in child nutrition). It also included the voluntary sector and industry (including the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board who represented the dairy industry). The group advised on potential methodologies to inform the sizes of the food group segments in the new Eatwell Guide whilst also providing routes for wider engagement.