Tesco has increased the number of “restricted” additives in its private-label ranges as the UK retailer works toward cutting ultra-processed foods.
The country’s largest supermarket chain said it started reformulating its own-label products along the lines of reducing foods high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) in 2018. It is also striving to offer “healthy and HFSS-compliant branded” items by working with its suppliers.
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Tesco said additives that are now “banned outright” from its private-label foods, or are “subject to restrictions”, now number 114, up from 65 last year. Examples given in a statement for prohibited ingredients were artificial colours, aspartame and monosodium glutamate.
Separately, the retailer said: “We include specific requirements for our own-brand suppliers on additive use, with additives only used where necessary for food safety, shelf life or quality, and in the minimum amount needed.”
Alice Ritchie, the head of healthy and sustainable diets at Tesco, said: “Making healthy, sustainably produced food affordable and accessible for every household is a priority for Tesco.
“We’re working hard to reformulate our products to make them healthier and more nutritious and we provide clear guidance to our own brand suppliers on the use of additives. As part of this, we have restricted the use of 114 additives in our own-brand products.”
The UK government has made efforts to restrict HFSS food and drinks, particularly retail and online promotions like ‘buy one get one free”, and clamping down on promotional facings placed at counters and end of aisles.
TV and online adverting bans for HFSS products targeted at children have also been enforced before the 9pm watershed amid efforts to cut obesity, monitored by the Advertising Standards Authority.
Meanwhile, there has been no clearly defined definition of ultra-processed foods, or UPFs.
Research has linked UPFs with harmful conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest UPFs have a negative impact on health but the evidence is inconclusive as to just how detrimental these food products are.
The UK government has introduced its Eatwell Guide, guiding consumers toward a “healthy and balanced diet”.
“While we continue to support diet shifts towards healthier, lower high in fat, salt and sugar diets aligned to the Eatwell Guide, we are also committed to increasing transparency around UPFs, given our customers’ desire to see simpler, more recognisable ingredients on pack,” Tesco said.
“We are committed to making sure healthy choices are as simple and accessible as possible, and are monitoring the latest scientific evidence, industry best practice and policy developments, and will evolve our policies as needed.”
Tesco said it is also making efforts to increase the use of vegetables, fruit and fibre in its product ranges, while the retailer has put in an online filter where consumers can search for items without additives.
“As we navigate our role in the conversation around UPFs, our commitment to food safety and quality remains paramount. We will continue our work to make health as simple and accessible as possible,” Tesco said.
