Written question WQ85495
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenPlaid
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What work has been completed or is planned to assess the potential impact that the proposal in Healthy Food Environment to introduce calorie labelling on menus will have on the health and wellbeing of people with experience of eating disorders?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Whilst we believe that the provision of calorie labelling would help to focus upon supporting people to make healthier food choices, we also recognise that this may pose difficulties for people with eating disorders.
Our recently published Healthy Environment consultation seeks views on the specific impacts and potential mitigations we should consider for people with eating disorders, particularly regarding calorie labelling. This includes looking to mandate menus being available without calories at request.
We have also engaged with eating disorder charities through the development of our Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales Strategy and its Delivery Plans. We are keen to ensure that the voices of people with eating disorders are considered in this consultation and any final approach that is taken forward. For example, my officials have been in contact with Beat Cymru to start a establish a discussion with people with lived experience to hear their views.