University professors have written a letter to the Public Health England (PHE) chief executive Duncan Selbie to offer suggestions to the UK Government to ensure that all residents are well fed in the current coronavirus crisis.

Professors from the University of London, the University of Sussex and Cardiff University explained that that the existing set of food controls could and should be strengthened by several feasible changes that will require central government action.

In their letter, the professors said: “The government has set up extensive consultation across the food supply industries, but has yet to engage adequately with public health and consumer representatives. It has imposed restrictions on how people behave in public spaces. It has not, however, set restrictions on or advice for food purchasing.

“Nor has it highlighted the importance of good diets to the health of our immune systems, let alone apply its existing EATWELL health guidelines to encourage people at a time when physical exercise is seriously disrupted.”

“We recognise that many briefings and discussions are held between Defra, as a lead ministry, and senior food industry representatives. We appreciate why this is the case – and also their sensitivity – but also note that tacitly this is ceding responsibility for ensuring the nation is properly and equitably nourished to industry rather than this being framed by overt, publicly accountable and public interest criteria.”

According to professors, the government should provide clear and well-informed public guidance on what is nutritionally necessary for the people living in the UK and to maintain food security and nutritional appropriateness in the country.

In the letter, they also recommended the government to establish new working structures with clear principles of equity and health and co-ordinated methods of delivery.

Latest on Coronavirus

• Business optimism increases in November: Poll

  Business optimism increased in November compared to October, according to an ongoing poll being conducted by Verdict.
• Business optimism improves for the second straight month in July: Poll

  Verdict has been conducting a poll to study the trends in business optimism during COVID-19 as reflected by the views of companies.
• Business optimism improves marginally in June: Poll

  Verdict has been conducting a poll to study the trends in business optimism during COVID-19 as reflected by the views of companies.
• Business optimism declines marginally in May: Poll

  Verdict has been conducting a poll to study the trends in business optimism during COVID-19 amid the pandemic.
• Poll on technology replacing human jobs invokes mixed response

  Verdict has conducted a poll to assess people’s views on what percentage of their jobs could be done by technology today.
• Poll finds independent verification of ESG disclosures to be important

  Verdict has conducted a poll to assess whether the independent verification of ESG disclosures made by companies and businesses is important.
• Accountability of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues should lie with senior executives: Poll

  Verdict has conducted to assess how important it is for the ultimate accountability of ESG issues to lie with senior executives such as CEOs.
• Environmental factors most important among ESG: Poll

  The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to address climate change as part of environmental, social and corporate governance issues.
• Covid-19: China bans imports from pork plant in Brazil

  The Chinese government has reportedly stopped pork imports from the Brazilian pork plant Aurora Alimentos over coronavirus concerns.
• US to prioritise poultry workers for coronavirus vaccine

  The Centers for Disease Control's advisory committee on immunization priority (ACIP) has agreed to provide Covid-19 vaccination to the meat and poultry workers on priority after health care workers and those in long-term care facilities.