Food agency tackles inequalities in health

Writing in the British Medical Journal this week, researchers at the University of Liverpool conclude that considerable inequalities in health exists across the UK with Scotland and London showing the widest health gaps between social classes.

Using data from the 2001 UK census, the researchers investigated the link between social class and health in adults across a broad age range from 25 to 64.

Census respondents were asked to rate their general health in the previous 12 months. Rates of poor heath were calculated according to sex, social class, and region.

Wales and the North East and North West regions of England saw high rates of poor health for all seven social classes.

But according to the UK team of researchers people in all social classes in the South East and the East, and most classes in the South West, had lower rates of poor health than the Great Britain average for their class.

In a bid to improve Scotland's diet and tackle related health issues earlier this month the Food Standards Agency Scotland launched a four point strategy - one priority is to help consumers on a low income to access healthier food choices.

Working with stakeholders, notably and extensively the food industry, the other priorities include the consumption of healthy diet and food choices; making and promoting the 'preparation and provision of meals' which offer a balanced diet.

"The FSA will by no means be working alone, indeed we'll be working closely with partners across Scotland nationally and locally on such diverse activities as developing product specifications to improving access to fresh fruit and vegetables for low income consumers,"​ said FSA Scotland Director George Paterson.

The plan initially covers a three-year period 2003-2006, to be reviewed in 2005.