The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have announced they are looking to expand their project looking at misleading ‘green’ claims to now include Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).

The review will examine the accuracy of environmental claims featuring on a wide range of essential products purchased on a daily basis including food and drink. It will cover both online and in store purchases and take into consideration compliance UK consumer protection law.

Should evidence of unfounded claims be identified, the CMA will consider taking enforcement action using its formal powers.

You can read more here

Defra and APHA have recently published an updated list of UK border control posts (BCPs) for animal and animal product imports.

Most consignments of animals, animal products and products of non-animal origin from non-EU countries must come through a Border Control Post (BCP), previously known as a Border Inspection Post (BIP).

You must:

• tell the BCP about your consignment in advance – if you don’t, you may be charged an additional fee or your checks could take longer.
• make sure the BCP you’re using is designated to check your shipment’s commodity.

You can use the list to check you’re using the right BCP, and to find its contact details.

The list includes:

• live animal BCPs
• animal products BCPs
• products of non-animal origin BCPs

Global insight provider IGD has identified six trends set to influence the global retail landscape in 2023.

With inflation driving a significant increase in production costs and retail prices across most major markets, IGD predict there will be an intense focus from retailers and suppliers on driving out costs, improving the efficiency of supply chains and delivering value to consumers in new ways over the next 12 months.

Toby Pickard, Global Insight Leader at IGD, said: “While many of these initiatives from businesses have been reactionary, they are helping retailers to reset the cost base and develop go-to market models for the future.

“Alongside this, retailers will continue to progress their key initiatives centred on health and wellness, sustainability and digitisation. Progress in these areas is incremental but we predict it will drive significant long-term change in the shape of our industry.”

A preview of the report can be downloaded at IGD Retail Analysis.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that from September 2023, all primary school children in London will receive free school meals for the next school year.

According to the Mayor of London’s Assembly website , recognising that families are in urgent need of support, Sadiq Khan will provide the funding as an emergency cost of living support measure and ensure that every primary school child in London will get at least one hot, nutritious meal a day during the next academic year 2023-2024.

The introduction of universal free school meals for the 2023/24 academic year could save families around £440 per child and builds on the Mayor’s existing work helping families to cope during the cost of living crisis.

According to The Food Foundation , one in four households with children have experienced food insecurity between September and October 2022, something that affected an estimated four million children in the UK.

The Food Foundation has said that 270,000 pupils will benefit from this decision.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have announced the launch of a new trial in Wolverhampton to encourage healthy eating and exercise.

Backed by £3 million from the government, the aim is to support people to live healthier longer lives while helping to cut waiting lists.

The trial – the first of its kind in England – will see participants given free fitness trackers which will be linked to the Better Health: Rewards app. The free app will generate personalised health goals for every participant – such as increasing their step count or eating more fruit and vegetables – in line with the Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity guidelines and the Eatwell Guide for a healthy balanced diet.

Over 20 weeks, participants will collect points for each goal they complete, which they can exchange for rewards including discounts for cinema tickets, and clothes or food vouchers.

The app also includes budget-friendly tips that support users to develop healthier habits, and challenges have been designed to be completed anywhere, no gym required.

National supermarkets including Sainsburys, ALDI, Morrisons, Tesco and Asda will be participating in the scheme so users can earn money off their food shop. Hundreds of other rewards are also on offer, including vouchers and merchandise from retailers including Amazon, Argos, Primark, M&S, John Lewis and Currys.

Gyms and leisure centres across Wolverhampton including PureGym, Places Leisure, Complexions and WV Active are also offering vouchers and discounts.