NHS Food Scanner App and the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition Guidance

Motion text

That this House notes the April 2025 statement of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), which recommends that intake of non-sugar sweeteners be minimised across the population and that young children should not be given drinks sweetened with sugar or non-sugar sweeteners; further notes that the NHS Food Scanner app, operated by the Department of Health and Social Care, continues to award its Good Choice badge to products containing non-sugar sweeteners and other ultra-processed ingredients; expresses concern that this may not align with SACN’s guidance and could undermine confidence in public health advice; recognises the importance of supporting families and children to make genuinely healthy food choices; and calls on the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to review the criteria used by the NHS Food Scanner app to ensure it reflects the latest scientific evidence and supports efforts to improve children’s health and wellbeing through better nutrition, clearer food labelling, stronger restrictions on junk food marketing, and effective measures such as extending the Soft Drinks Levy to high-sugar milk and juice drinks and investing in public health initiatives that promote active, healthy lives.

The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.