Dairy UK chief executive Dr Judith Bryans has said that the decision by Public Health England (PHE) to reduce the dairy food group in the revised eatwell plate is both 'baffling and disappointing'.
Launched yesterday, the new Eatwell Guide shows the revised proportions of the food groups that help PHE meet official advice and nutrient requirements.
According to Bryans, scientific evidence shows that dairy consumption is essential for people of all age groups because of its nutritional value.
Dairy products are also used in 98% of all households across the UK and have been excluded from the sugar tax, as announced by the UK Chancellor in his Budget speech.
Dr Bryans said: "Public Health England's decision goes against a series of recent public announcements and reports, which show a better understanding of the role of milk and dairy products in a healthy and balanced diet by government and parliamentarians.
"These include the latest Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) report on carbohydrates and human health, the recent Dairy All-Party Parliamentary Group recommendations on dairy and public health, as well as the government's recognition of dairy products' nutritional value through their exemption from the upcoming sugar tax."
The dairy food group was reduced from the Eatwell guidelines without consulting the dairy industry, as a result of which the industry could not present any scientific evidence to confirm its importance in the dietary guide.
Dr Bryans added: "Looking outside our borders, a long list of countries such as France, Canada, Australia and many more have had successful 3-a-Day dairy consumption programmes for years, which all emphasise the importance of dairy foods."
