Kellogg’s was challenging Food Standards Agency regulations which classify more than half of its breakfast cereal products as less healthy, and which impose limitations on the company’s promotional tactics to sell more of them.
Taylor commented: “Kellogg's took the government to court over how it defines foods which are high in fat, sugar and/or salt - trying to argue that sugary breakfast cereals aren't sugary if they are served with milk.
“We are delighted good sense has prevailed and Kellogg’s lost on all counts. We need food companies who are prepared to show leadership on helping to tackle childhood obesity, and not act as a dead weight on policy intervention.”
Mr Justice Linden said levels of obesity have increased from 9.9% in 2019/2020 to 14.4% in 2020/2021 among 4 and 5-year-olds and from 21% to 25% among ten and 11-year-olds in the same time frame.
Taylor added: “It's time for businesses to show they are part of the solution - this means setting and reporting on targets for shifting sales of healthy and unhealthy food and supporting government policy intervention to create a level playing field so all businesses can behave more responsibly.
“We are working with investors to highlight the need for a legislative strategy to rein in the commercial incentives which undermine the nation’s health. These issues are highlighted in our latest update to food industry investors.”