DAUK has backed a plan to increase the consumption of plant-rich foods and ease pressure on the NHS.
Dr Matt Lee, DAUK’s sustainability lead, said a transition to plant-rich diets would improve public health.
A policy paper has been produced including a 10-point plan of measures to increase the domestic production and consumption of plant-based foods.
The paper has been endorsed by 48 organisations, including the Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK).
Improve health
It has been submitted to the new Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, and Defra Minister, Dame Angela Eagle.
They are urged to use the Government’s upcoming food strategy to champion plant-rich diets.
Dr Lee said: “People in the UK are not eating enough plant-based foods – in particular, vegetables, pulses, legumes, fruit, nuts, seeds and wholegrains.
“The evidence is unequivocal that public health will improve if we can secure a transition towards more plant-rich diets.
“That dietary transition can reduce the burden of disease and ease pressure on the NHS.
Food security
“Such a transition offers the potential to work with British farmers to enhance food security in the UK through promoting locally grown, plant-based products, something ever more important in a changing climate.
“The Government has everything to gain by taking ambitious action.”
Liam Lysaght, is campaigns officer at Foodrise, a charity aiming to transform the food system for climate, nature, and justice
He said: “The government has highlighted the need to break the cycle of intensive animal agriculture in the UK, and produce a genuine Good Food Cycle.
Plant-rich diet
“This paper shows widespread agreement from health, environment, and food professionals that we can achieve those goals with practical, integrated, policies to promote more plant-rich diets.
“It’s a perfect cheat sheet for the new ministers at Defra.”
DAUK committee members are all volunteers and speak to the media about issues facing frontline doctors in their own time. Please support our work by joining DAUK or donating to our GoFundMe.
