British Nutrition Foundation

The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) is the key food industry front group in the UK. The BNF promotes itself as a source of impartial information, but it does not always make its links with industry clear.
The BNF claims to promote 'the nutritional wellbeing of society through the impartial interpretation and effective dissemination of scientifically based nutritional knowledge and advice'.BNF entry in Healthlinks.net, accessed 11 Mar 2010
:It works in partnership with academic and research institutes, the food industry, educators and government. The Foundation influences all in the food chain, government, the professions and the media. The Foundation is a charitable organisation which raises funds from the food industry, government and a variety of other sources.BNF entry in Healthlinks.net, accessed 11 Mar 2010
The BNF website contains a 'links' page to 'member companies', but there is no indication that they fund it or how much they pay.
==2010: Hosting conference on sweeteners==
In April 2010 the British Nutrition Foundation hosted a one day conference at the Royal Society headquarters looking at the science of low calorie sweeteners and aimed at "separating fact from fiction."Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information?, British Medical Journal, 22 Mar 2010, accessed 24 Mar 2010The science of low calorie sweeteners - separating fact from fiction, Thursday 15th April 2010, The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG, BNF website, accessed 24 Mar 2010 
The event’s promotional web page contained all the key messages that the foundation uses about itself: it is objective and evidence based, is about how to use products appropriately, promotes consumer choice, and appeals to all those engaged in food and public health policy.The science of low calorie sweeteners - separating fact from fiction, Thursday 15th April 2010, The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG, BNF website, accessed 24 Mar 2010
The web page didn’t say, though the information is elsewhere on the foundation’s website,Member companies, British Nutrition Foundation website, accessed 24 Mar 2010 that the foundation is financially supported by Tate & Lyle, British Sugar, Ajinomoto (which makes AminoSweet), and McNeil Consumer Nutritionals (which makes Splenda sweetener). One of the participants in the panel discussion was Tom Sanders, head of the nutritional sciences department at King’s College London, which has received millions from sugar company Tate & Lyle.King’s College London, Research grants: current and recent awards (over £10k), accessed 24 Mar 2010
==Drinks firms not mentioned==
In February 2010 the BNF put out a press release, "Dehydration linked to winter blues?" saying people could shake off the winter blues by drinking more fluids.Dehydration linked to winter blues?, BNF website, 23 Feb 2010, acc 29 Mar 2010 It didn’t say that funders include Danone (producers of Evian, Volvic, and Badoit bottled water), Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Innocent drinks, Twinings, Nestlé, and various yoghurt drink manufacturers,British Nutrition Foundation. Member companies although a footnote at the end does mention the food industry as one of the foundation’s funding sources.Dehydration linked to winter blues?, BNF website, 23 Feb 2010, acc 29 Mar 2010
==Funding and independence==
For public health and food policy campaigners this merry go round of donation, publicity, and influence has been a source of concern since the foundation was formed more than 40 years ago. However, in the tightly knit world of nutrition, where people in food companies, non-governmental organisations, academia, and the government know each other and often have to work together, few wish to voice such criticism publicly. The amount of food industry money making the rounds means few researchers haven’t taken funds, and most would say that this has not compromised their scientific independence.Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information? The British Nutrition Foundation promotes itself as a source of impartial information, but as Phil Chamberlain reports, it does not always make its links with industry clear, British Medical Journal, 22 March 2010Phil Chamberlain and Jeremy Laurance, Is the British Nutrition Foundation having its cake and eating it too? Group dedicated to healthy eating is partly funded by the food industry, The Independent, 22 March 2010
Joe Harvey, from the Health Education Trust, a charity promoting the development of health education for young people in the UK, offers a contrary view:
:In my opinion organisations like the British Nutrition Foundation, which want to be seen as offering independent advice and materials, should avoid donations from the food industry or be much more up front about them so the public are aware of the involvement ... At best it is naive to take industry money and believe there is no quid pro quo. At the very least food companies are able to use such donations to clean up their public image and give themselves enhanced credibility."Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information? The British Nutrition Foundation promotes itself as a source of impartial information, but as Phil Chamberlain reports, it does not always make its links with industry clear, British Medical Journal, 22 March 2010Phil Chamberlain and Jeremy Laurance, Is the British Nutrition Foundation having its cake and eating it too? Group dedicated to healthy eating is partly funded by the food industry, The Independent, 22 March 2010
The British Nutrition Foundation says it "promotes the wellbeing of society through the impartial interpretation and effective dissemination of scientifically based knowledge and advice on the relationship between diet, physical activity and health."Charity Commission. British Nutrition Foundation This perception of independence and scientific rigour is crucial because it allows the foundation to weave strong links with the government and present itself as a disinterested commentator to the media.
The fact is that the organisation’s membership is a roll call of food industry stalwarts. As at March 2010, the 39 members include producers such as Cadbury’s, Kellogg’s and Northern Foods, restaurant chains such as McDonalds and PizzaExpress, all the main supermarket chains apart from Tesco, and industry bodies such as the Potato Council.British Nutrition Foundation. Member companies
The foundation emphasises that its funding comes from many different sources, though it is clear that industry support is vital. Paul Hebblethwaite, the chairman of the board of trustees, said in the 2008-9 annual report: "Their donations are of great importance to the foundation, and in particular support our charitable work with schools, consumers and health professionals."British Nutrition Foundation. Annual report and accounts 2008-9
Throughout the BNF's annual reports, ranging from 2003 to 2009, the Foundation lists some 'Financial Support for Specific Events', stating that
:During the year, the following member companies provided additional financial support:
The report then lists various member companies who have provided additional financial support to the Foundation for various aspects of their work. It does not, however, state how much or how often each member company has donated to the BNF British Nutrition Foundation Annual Reports. Date accessed: 22 April 2010
Sara Stanner, the foundation’s science programme manager, says, "The donations we receive from food and drink companies are used at ‘arms length’ and in a generic sense to supplement the funding we secure from the other sources." She adds that, "Our ability to protect our independence is strengthened by this diversity in funding and centres on our strong governance . . . Strange as it may seem we are not pressurised, commercially or politically, to be selective in the repertoire of nutrition topics we address."Phil Chamberlain and Jeremy Laurance, Is the British Nutrition Foundation having its cake and eating it too? Group dedicated to healthy eating is partly funded by the food industry, The Independent, 22 March 2010
==Revolving door==
Many of the foundation’s staff move between the organisation and the food industry.Linkedin. Brigid McKevith. Paul Hebblethwaite has had "a distinguished career in the food industry working for a number of major companies including Cadbury Schweppes and Chivers-Hartley."Mr Paul Hebblethwaite appointed as new chair of BNF’s board of trustees. BNF News 2007;47(Spring):2 He is also chairman of the Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery Trade Association communications committee.Mr Paul Hebblethwaite appointed as new chair of BNF’s board of trustees. BNF News 2007;47(Spring):2 The organisation’s board of trustees and oversight committees contain many current employees of the food industry as well as academics from various institutions.British Nutrition Foundation. [http://www.nutrition.org.uk/attachments/330_BNF%20Annual%20Report%202008%2009.pdf Annual report and accounts 2008-9 Former foundation staff include Gill Fine, the Food Standards Agency’s director of consumer choice and dietary health, who previously worked for Sainsbury’s.Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. Annual Report 2004. Annex 4: members’ declaration of interests
The BNF's Sara Stanner says, "Our view is that we are fortunate in attracting scientific staff of a very high calibre from all walks of human nutrition, which enriches the work we do and ensures we are able to provide a mature and balanced view on nutrition issues . . . . To ensure diversity in the expertise available among our Trustees, our Articles of Association state that not more than two of our Trustees (out of a total of 12) can be Industrial Governors (ie, from the food industry)."Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information? The British Nutrition Foundation promotes itself as a source of impartial information, but as Phil Chamberlain reports, it does not always make its links with industry clear, British Medical Journal, 22 March 2010
==History and exposure==
Founded in 1967, the BNF has a long record of campaigning to defend the interests of the food industry. Its 2000-01 annual report lists as members some of the largest food companies operating in the UK, including some of the biggest transnational corporations such as Ajinomoto (makers of NutraSweet), British Sugar, Cadbury, Coca Cola, DuPont, Sainsbury's, Kellogg's, McDonald's, Nestle, Procter and Gamble, Roche, Tate & Lyle, Trebor Bassett, Unilever and Weetabix. The BNF declines to publish its membership fees but declares income of £662,503 in the year 2004-2005 from 'Covenants, donations and memberships'.BNF 2005, Annual Report, p.16 On average this would translate as around £19,500 for each member, an insignificant sum for such large companies. 
The BNF was exposed by a World in Action documentary in 1985 when its Director General from 1982-4, Dr Derek Shrimpton, appeared and revealed that it was unable to pursue an independent line on nutrition policy: "In the period I was there the BNF was solely taken up with defensive actions for the industry," he said. He revealed that it had conducted a long struggle to undermine successive government committees which were trying to recommend reductions in the consumption of sugars, salt and fats. The BNF role was to try and 'kill' the NACNE Committee:
:If it couldn't be killed it was best to be emasculated. And in all events the BNF must come out of this very white. At no time must the BNF's hand be seen in this… the tactic was to delay it and delay it again, so that everybody got fed up and at no point would it see the light of day. If that failed then it was to be published as low key as possible and no official support.Cannon, G. (1987) The Politics of Food (London, Century):p. 356
The BNF campaigning was so effective that the government report was suppressed and never implemented. The only defeat for the BNF was that the suppression was picked up in the media and caused a major political row - but no action. The follow up committee was jointly convened with the BNF and its report too was suppressed.Cannon, G. (1987) The Politics of Food (London, Century) p. 354-362 This was a factor in the later abolition of the Health Education Council by the Thatcher government and its replacement with a quango less threatening to industry interests. Even this organisation became too threatening to the government over the issues of HIV and AIDS and it was closed and absorbed into the NHS.See Miller, David, Kitzinger, J., Williams, K. and Beharrell, P. (1998), The Circuit of Mass Communication : Media Strategies, Representation and Audience Reception in the AIDS Crisis , London: Sage 
The appearance of independence convinces many. BNF officials and associated scientists sit on government committees and according to the BNF annual report 2001 the organisation 'is increasingly asked to check copy by magazines' - the kind of public credibility that corporations crave.BNF 2001, Annual Report, p. 8
== Public Support and Defence of Member Companies ==
Whilst the BNF's operation as both a front group for the food industry and an organisation aiming to improve public health and the nutritional wellbeing of society is perhaps a blurred distinction, its actions suggest that the Foundation is primarily set up to defend and support the interests of its member companies in the food industry. In October 2009, when the television commercial for member company Danone's probiotic Actimel yoghurt product was banned, the British Nutrition Foundation came out in support of one of its sponsors, by claiming that there is "growing evidence that a regular intake of probiotics may positively influence our health". Whilst appearing to take a stance on the public health of the issue, it seems as though the British Nutrition Foundation had the wellbeing of both itself as a Foundation, and that of Danone as a member company and sponsor at heart. Ben Cooper, 'Just-drinks' global news. Date published: 31 October 2009. Date accessed: 19 April 2010
Likewise, in January 2010 when Mars Inc announced that it was to cut the saturated fat content of a number of products by "at least" 15%, the British Nutrition Foundation conducted a similar scene when director general Professor Judy Buttriss said "Saturated fat is a health issue that needs addressing by consumers and food manufacturers alike. In order to reduce total intakes across the population to below 10% of total energy intake, the formulation of all sources of saturated fat - even popular treats - needs to be tackled. Any initiative to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the UK diet is a step in the right direction". Again, whilst appearing to have the public health and nutritional wellbeing of society at heart, this was also an instance where the British Nutrition Foundation clearly had the interests of both itself and a member company at heart.
== BNF role as a researcher ==
The BNF has also often been commissioned by the government and public authorities to carry out research into food and nutrition issues. In 2008, the Foundation was commissioned by the Food Standards Agency to carry out research into the early life patterns of exposure to and avoidance of food allergens and later development of sensitisation and clinical food allergy. The BNF concluded that
:There is no evidence, from seven human studies identified, of an association between maternal dietary intake of food allergens during pregnancy or lactation and the development of food sensitisation or food allergy in the child:Food Standards Agency, 'Systematic review of literature on early life patterns of exposure to and avoidance of food allergens and later development of sensitisation and clinical food allergy'. Date published May 2008. Date accessed 11 March 2010
The BNF have also conducted research on behalf of the Food Standards Agency on nutritional aspects of the development of cancer identified key research priorities for the Diet and Colonic Health programme. It was suggested that techniques were developed to characterize and validate reliable diet-related intermediate biomarkers for colorectal cancer. With these techniques, the BNF suggested, it would be possible investigate the impact of components of the diet; how these interact and whether dose response effects exist; and to develop understanding of the interaction between diet, processes associated with colon health and genetic predisposition in determining susceptibility to cancer. Food Standards Agency, 'Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA) report on the nutritional aspects of the development of cancer identified key research priorities for the Diet and Colonic Health programme', Research and Survey Programmes Annual Report. Date published 2003. Date accessed 11 March 2010
== Educational role ==
The BNF has produced briefings on several topics, including salt and diet, food additives and children's behaviour. They also have a dedicated education section.
The education section contains information packs and recipes for primary and secondary school pupils.http://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/
The education section is produced in conjunction with 
*Meat and Education
*British Potato Council
*Horticultural Development Council
*Home Grown Cereals Authority
*Milk Development Council
*All Saints Educational Trust
The section also received assistance from British Sugar plc, Cadbury Schweppes, H J Heinz, Kellogg Company of Great Britain, Kraft Foods UK, Meat & Livestock Commission, Nestlé UK Ltd, RHM Technology Limited, Ryvita Company, Tate & Lyle Sugar, Unilever.
Members of the BNF are served though regular briefings and invitation-only conferences as well as being able to draw on the foundation as a resource for literature, advice, and third party endorsement.
For instance, the foundation contributed to arms length industry initiatives such as PhunkyFoods, a programme to promote healthy eating and physical activity among under 11s.PhunkyFoods. Home page PhunkyFoods is a wholly owned subsidiary of the private nutrition consultancy Purely Nutrition, and the programme is funded by Nestlé, Northern Foods, and Cargill. According to Northern Foods, the foundation contributed to the campaign’s teaching materials for schools.Northern Foods, Healthy eating education delivers results: new research shows how regular lessons can help change children’s attitudes to food. Press release, 20 Sep 2006 
The foundation’s website is also used by food companies who need to direct readers to what they can say is an independent source of information. Kraft has a healthy living website with a section on nutrition and useful links.Kraft Healthy Living. Useful nutritional links The foundation is the top link, but nowhere is it mentioned that Kraft has been a financial supporter since at least 2004.British Nutrition Foundation. Annual report and accounts 2003-4
The government has contracted the foundation to produce educational materials. These include the Licence To Cook website for the Department for Children, Schools, and Families (http://www.licencetocook.org.uk), a recipe book for year 7 (11-12 year old) pupils,Department for Children, Schools and Families. [http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/healthyliving/schoolfoodanddrink/realmeals/ Real Meals educating teachers about food technology,Licence To Cook. Teach food technology and a contract from the Food Standards Agency to help young people "engage with the core food competences"British Nutrition Foundation. Annual report and accounts 2008-9. Companies have been happy to fund these government projects through the foundation.British Nutrition Foundation. Annual report and accounts 2008-9
Tim Lobstein, director of policy and programmes at the International Association for the Study of Obesity - International Obesity Task Force, said the organisation had produced several educational resources in the past that seemed to support industry messages. The foundation "did a big piece of work for the Food Standards Agency reviewing ‘influences on consumer food choices’ which conveniently left out any review of the influence of marketing and advertising techniques," he said.Food Standards Agency. A critical review of the psychosocial basis of food choice and identification of tools to effect positive food choice. 2003Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information? The British Nutrition Foundation promotes itself as a source of impartial information, but as Phil Chamberlain reports, it does not always make its links with industry clear, British Medical Journal, 22 March 2010
Oliver Tickell, from the Campaign Against Trans Fats in Food, looked at the documents the foundation had produced on his area of interest and came to a similar conclusion.Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information? The British Nutrition Foundation promotes itself as a source of impartial information, but as Phil Chamberlain reports, it does not always make its links with industry clear, British Medical Journal, 22 March 2010
"The first is a briefing sheet and is very balanced,"British Nutrition Foundation. Facts about trans fats he said. "The other is a submission to the Scottish parliament on a bill to limit trans fats, and essentially it says to do nothing."Response to the public consultation on the limits of trans fats (Scotland) Bill. Letter from Judith Buttriss to Richard Simpson MSP, 22 September 2009 Tickell says that this view coincides with that of the food industry, which doesn’t want to see regulation.Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information? The British Nutrition Foundation promotes itself as a source of impartial information, but as Phil Chamberlain reports, it does not always make its links with industry clear, British Medical Journal, 22 March 2010
=== Omega 3 ===
Fish oils are big business. And is a field of work in which the BNF is heavily involved. 
It is claimed that Omega 3 improves intelligence especially in children. The market for such supplements is around £116 million per annum in the UK. This is despite the lack of any scientific evidence that omega 3 improves brain function. What trials have taken place have involved children with specific difficulties: ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and developmental coordination disorder (DCD). 
Dr Alex Richardson, a senior research fellow at Oxford University and an authority on nutrition and the brain is sceptical about the claims and feels that commercial companies have hijacked the results of what testing has been carried out.
In one example, Equazen - the manufacturer of eye q fish-oil supplements - was approached by Durham LEA and asked if it would donate £1m-worth of capsules to be given to 5,000 school-age children in the run-up to their GCSEs. Their performance will be measured against what it might theoretically have been without the omega 3. Again, there is no control group, no placebo and no double-blind component. 
Despite such flaws, these 'trials' were widely reported, invariably mentioning the eye q brand and declaring fish oil a wonder supplement. In December last year, Equazen was sold to the Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Galenica, making a reported £10m-£20m for its chief executive Adam Kelliher. 
Frost & Sullivan, the global research consultancy, estimates that the market for omega-3 products will grow by around 8% per annum until 2010. Datamonitor, another research company, identifies it as one of the 'big four' health-and-wellness trends in the packaged-food industry next year. 
At the present time, 25 European governments, including the UK's, are funding the Lipgene project - a five-year study examining ways of modifying foods to contain more omega 3. The British Nutrition Foundation is a partner in the Lipgene project.
'They're looking at foods we commonly consume, such as meat, milk and yoghurt,' says Dr Joanne Lunn of the BNF. 'That way, we won't have to make huge dietary shifts because, if you tell people to eat more oily fish, they won't.' Genes from long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (specifically the EPA and DHA types found in oily fish and seafood, the easiest for the body to use) are being inserted into rapeseed, a crop used in cereal feed for livestock; trials are also underway with chicken.Guardian 20th August 2007
http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/food/story/0,,2149284,00.html
===Salt===
The BNF has been actively involved in a number of initiatives within the food industry to raise awareness of high salt content foods and reduce people's unhealthy level of salt in their diets. They have been actively involved with the Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH). CASH is a group of specialists concerned with salt and its effects on health. It is working to reach a consensus with the food industry and Government over the harmful effects of a high salt diet, and bring about a reduction in the amount of salt in processed foods as well as salt added to cooking, and the tableCASH Newsletter, Winter 2009 CASH Newsletter, Winter 2009, p. 5. Date accessed: 5th Apr 2010. 
According to the CASH newsletter of Winter 2009, the BNF had been working with Wagamama to reduce the salt content in their ready meals. CASH said Wagamama had reduced the salt content in children's meals and trialled a 20% salt reduction of the adult ramen dishes.CASH Newsletter, Winter 2009 CASH Newsletter, Winter 2009, p. 5. Date accessed: 5th Apr 2010 This followed an announcement by CASH that it had tested meals served in high street restaurants for salt content and found that salt levels were dangerously high.Jane Symons and Andrea Hammett, Why a burger could be better for you than stir-fried noodles, The Sun, 5 Feb 2009, acc 5 Apr 2010
The BNF has also been involved with initiatives set up by the Food Standards Agency which recommends that an adult diet should contain no more than 6 grams of salt per day. The Food Standards Agency has engaged with the BNF on the issue. On the Food Standards Agency campaign page for raising awareness of salt intake, the BNF is quoted as saying:
:Individuals are responsible for their own health. However, without clear and accurate labelling, it is hard for the public to make healthy choices and keep track of their daily salt intake. The British Nutrition Foundation supports the FSA's campaign to remind the public of the 6g per day target and to emphasise the need to check the amount of salt in the foods that we buy.'Salt - Is your food full of it?', Food Standards Agency, Date accessed: 5th March 2010
The campaign is also supported by other public health bodies, industry groups and organisations, including some leading brand manufacturers - all of which are member companies of the British Nutrition Foundation. Some of these include:'Salt - Is your food full of it?', Food Standards Agency, p. 5, Date accessed: 5th March 2010
*Department of Health
*Food & Drink Federation
*Association of Cereal Food Manufacturers (ACFM)
*British Medical Association (BMA)
*Marks & Spencer
*Nestle
*Sainsburys
==Influence==
The BNF's presence in Whitehall brings influence, and the foundation is overt about this, saying: "Through active engagement with government, schools, industry, health professionals and journalists, we also aim to provide advice to help shape and support policy and to facilitate improvement in the diet and physical activity patterns of the population."British Nutrition Foundation. Who we are, what we do
In the foundation’s annual report 2008-9, the BNF's Sara Stanner adds: "Some of our work has a direct effect on policy. For example, the Science Group carried out a systematic review of the effects of early life exposure to peanuts on risk of allergy, for the Food Standards Agency, the findings of which are feeding through to policy.British Nutrition Foundation. Annual report and accounts 2008-9
However, historically, such influence has been far from benign. A World in Action documentary from 1985 quoted previous director general, Derek Shrimpton, as saying: "In the period I was there the foundation was solely taken up with defence actions for the industry." He said that the foundation had been constantly engaged in frustrating government committees aiming to recommend reductions in sugars, salt, and fats.Cannon G. The politics of food. Century, 1997:356
Meanwhile Sara Stanner can also be found on a Sainsbury’s website aimed at the parents of young children, where she is a resident expert on diet and nutrition.Sainsbury’s, Little Ones: our experts The website does not mention that Sainsbury’s funds the foundation.
The foundation sees its communication role as key and aims to provide swift and expert advice to journalists, who often are not medical reporters but cover issues from a consumer point of view.British Nutrition Foundation. Annual report and accounts 2008-9 In this it has carved a successful niche for itself.
Several independent listing services aimed at patients and consumers, including Patient UK and netdoctor, repeat the group’s own description without mentioning its industry links.Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information?, British Medical Journal, 22 Mar 2010, accessed 24 Mar 2010
Meanwhile when it is quoted in the media it is most commonly without any other description. A LexisNexis search for British Nutrition Foundation references in UK newspapers in the past year returned 128 references. Only two mentioned that the foundation had industry funding.Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information?, British Medical Journal, 22 Mar 2010, accessed 24 Mar 2010Elliot V. An egg a day is good for you says the British Nutrition Foundation. Times 2009 Feb 11Macrae F. How an egg a day could keep blood pressure down. Daily Mail 2009 Feb 24
Sara Stanner says "If we engage in any piece of project work that involves support from one of our member companies (or any other industry link), we always clearly acknowledge this. In our experience, most people that we talk to are aware that we get funding from different sources, including industry and government."Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information?, British Medical Journal, 22 Mar 2010, accessed 24 Mar 2010
But typical of the reporting was an article in the Independent when McDonalds said it was going to publish the nutritional content of its meals.Laurance J. A diet to die for? Fast food for thought. Independent 2005 Oct 27 The newspaper asked the foundation to assess popular takeaway meals, including that of McDonalds, which was given the worst health rating. The article did not mention that McDonalds funds the foundation.British Nutrition Foundation. Annual report and accounts 2003-4. 
Joanne Lunn, then a nutrition scientist at the foundation, was quoted by the paper saying: "These are large portions and it is not recommended that you eat high-fat meals such as these regularly. You should remember the adage, ‘There is no such thing as a bad food, only a bad diet.’"Laurance J. A diet to die for? Fast food for thought. Independent 2005 Oct 27
Phil Chamberlain comments in an article for the British Medical Journal:
:The media seek out the British Nutrition Foundation as a ready source of authoritative comment on matters of nutrition and wider food policy. In return the foundation swiftly delivers succinct analysis in a language that suits its audience and does not offend either its partners in Whitehall or its paymasters in the food industry. It is a relationship that shows every sign of continuing.Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information? The British Nutrition Foundation promotes itself as a source of impartial information, but as Phil Chamberlain reports, it does not always make its links with industry clear, British Medical Journal, 22 March 2010
==BNF member companies==
===2015===
Corporate Members: 
ALDI | ASDA Stores Ltd | Birds Eye Iglo Group Ltd | British Sugar plc | Cargill Inc (Truvia) | Dine Contract Catering Limited | General Mills | Greggs plc | H J Heinz Ltd | Ingredion UK Ltd | Kerry Foods Ltd | KP Snacks Limited | Marks and Spencer plc | Mars UK Ltd | McCain Foods (GB) Ltd | McDonald's Restaurants Ltd | nabim | Nestlé Nutrition | Seafish | Slimming World | Tata Global Beverages Ltd | The Co-operative Group Ltd | United Biscuits (UK) Limited | Volac | wagamama | Waitrose Ltd | Warburtons | Weetabix | Wm Morrisons Supermarkets plc 
From the BNF website of April 2010:BNF member companies, BNF website, accessed 19 Feb 2010
3663 | AgroFresh | AHDB Meat Services | Ajinomoto/NutraSweet Switzerland AG | | Asda Stores Ltd | Associated British Foods plc | Bernard Matthews PLC | British Sugar plc | Cadbury | Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland | The Co-operative Group Ltd | Dairy Crest Limited | Danone Waters and Dairies UK Ltd | GlaxoSmithKline | | H J Heinz Ltd | Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) | Innocent drinks | J Sainsbury plc | The Jordans and Ryvita Company Ltd | Kellogg Company of Great Britain Limited | Kerry Foods Ltd | Kraft Foods UK Ltd | Lighter Life | Marks and Spencer plc | Mars UK Ltd | McCain Foods Ltd | McDonald's Restaurants Ltd | McNeil Consumer Nutritionals Ltd | Müller Dairy | nabim | National Starch | Nestle UK Ltd | Northern Foods plc | PepsiCo UK Ltd | PizzaExpress | Potato Council | Premier Foods (RHM Technology Limited) | Procter & Gamble Limited | R Twinings & Co Ltd | | Slimming World | Tate & Lyle Sugars | Unilever plc | United Biscuits (UK) Limited | wagamama | Waitrose Ltd | Weetabix Limited | Wm Morrisons Supermarkets plc | Yoplait Dairy Crest Ltd
The BNF's 2000-01 annual report lists as members some of the largest food companies operating in the UK including some of the biggest transnational corporations such as Ajinomoto (makers of NutraSweet), British Sugar, Cadbury, Coca Cola, DuPont, Sainsbury's, Kellogg's, McDonald's, Nestle, Procter and Gamble, Roche, Tate & Lyle, Trebor Bassett, Unilever and Weetabix. The BNF declines to publish its membership fees but declares income of £662,503 in the year 2004-2005 from 'Covenants, donations and memberships'.BNF 2005, Annual Report, p.16 On average this would translate as around £19,500 for each member, an insignificant sum for such large companies.
==People==
===Board of Trustees===
The following data was collected from the BNF website in April 2010:BNF, BNF People, accessed 5 Apr 2010
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
*Mr P. Hebblethwaite, BSc MSc CSci CEng FIFST FIChemE Former Science Director, Cadbury Schweppes
SCIENTIFIC GOVERNORS
*Professor J. Blundell, BSc PhD CPsychol FBPsS Department of Psychology, University of Leeds
*Professor P.C. Calder, BSc PhD DPhil RNutr Institute of Human Nutrition, University of Southampton
*Professor A. de Looy, BSc PhD RD Professor of Dietetics and Head of School of Health Professions, Plymouth University
*Professor K.R. Fox, PhD Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Bristol
*Professor C.J.K. Henry, MSc PhD RPHNutr FRSH, Professor of Human Nutrition, School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brookes University
*Professor M.B.E. Livingstone, BEd MSc DPhil RNutr Professor of Nutrition, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster
*Professor M.S. Losowsky, MD FRCP Emeritus Professor of Medicine, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds
*Professor A.D.B. Malcolm, MA DPhil CBiol FIBiol FIFST Chief Executive, Institute of Biology, London
*Professor J.C. Mathers, BSc PhD Professor of Human Nutrition, Human Nutrition Research Centre, University of Newcastle
*Professor I. Rowland, BSc PhD RNutr Head of the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Reading
*Professor T.A.B. Sanders, BSc PhD DSc Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, King’s College London University
*Professor P. Shetty, MD PhD FFPHM FRCP Professor of Human Nutrition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
*Professor C. M. Williams, BSc PhD Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise), University of Reading (Vice-Chairman of Board of Trustees)
*Professor M.J. Wiseman, MB BS MRCP FRCP FRCPath Visiting Professor in Human Nutrition, University of Southampton
Scientific Governors appointed by the Royal Society of London:
*Professor M. Peaker, DSc FRSE FRS, Formerly Director, Hannah Research Institute 
INDUSTRIAL GOVERNORS
*Ms J. Batchelar, BSc PGCE Director of Brand, Sainsbury's
*Mr M. Collyer, FIFST Company Director, Nestlé
*Mr R.J. Fletcher, BSc Director, Scientific Affairs, Kellogg Europe
*Mr D. Gregory, CSci FIFST CEHP Technical Director, Marks and Spencer plc
*Mr P. Hebblethwaite, BSc MSc CSci CEng FIFST FIChemE Former Science Director, Cadbury Schweppes (Chairman of Board of Trustees) 
*Miss A. Heughan, RD Company Nutrition and Health Manager, Unilever Bestfoods UK
*Mr J. W. Sutcliffe, BSc Chief Executive, Grocery, Associated British Foods plc
GENERAL GOVERNORS
*Ms C. Drummond, Chief Executive, LEAF
*Mrs S.J. Evans, Food and wine writer and broadcaster
*Mrs F.C.A. Gallagher, BA FRSA, Director FG Associates
*Mrs M. Haines-Evans, DL, Chair National Federation of Women's Institutes, Wales
*Mr R.A. Marsh, BSc MSc CSci FIFST Managing Director, Food Processing, Faraday Partnership
*Dr R. Pendrous, Editor, Food Manufacture
EX-OFFICIO GOVERNORS
Honorary President of Council
*Professor Derek Burke, CBE DL Honorary President, The British Nutrition Foundation
Honorary Vice-Presidents of Council
*Mr I.G.T. Ferguson BSC CBE, Chief Executive, Tate & Lyle Sugars
*Professor A. Shenkin, BSc PhD FRCP FRCPath Professor of Clinical Chemistry, University of Liverpool
Honorary Treasurer
*Mr C.J. Hart, BSc MSc FIFST Formerly Research and Development Manager, Weetabix Limited
===BNF Staff===
==2015==
*Judith Buttriss - Director general
*Roy Ballam - Education programme manager
*Sara Stanner - Nutrition science programme manager
*Claire Theobald - Senior education officer
*Michelle Mistry - Education officer
*Kim Down - Education and events executive
*Frances Meek - Education officer
*Emma Schneider - Research assistant 
*Bridget Benelam - Senior nutrition scientist
*Ayela Spiro - Senior nutrition scientist 
*Helena Gibson-Moore - Nutrition scientist 
*Rosalind Miller - Nutrition scientist 
*Lucy Chambers - Nutrition scientist 
*Sarah Coe - Nutrition scientist
*Beth Hooper - Nutrition scientist 
*Sarah Alderton - Assistant nutrition scientist 
*Nicholas Baldwin - Administration manager
The following data was collected from the BNF website in April 2010:BNF Staff, BNF website, acc 5 April 2010
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
*Professor Judith Buttriss, Director General
*Miss Stephanie Valentine, Deputy Director General
*Mr Tom Barclay, Foundation Secretary
EDUCATION TEAM
*Mr Roy Ballam, Education Programme Manager
*Miss Claire Theobald, Senior Education Officer
*Dr Sarah Schenker, Nutrition Scientist
*Ms Georgine Leung, Nutrition Scientist
*Ms Michelle Rowcliffe, Education Officer
*Ms Kim Ralph, Education Secretary
SCIENCE TEAM
*Ms Sara Stanner, Science Programme Manager
*Miss Lisa Miles, Senior Nutrition Scientist
*Dr Laura Wyness, Senior Nutrition Scientist
*Ms Claire Williamson, Nutrition Scientist
*Miss Anna Denny, Nutrition Scientist
*Mrs Bridget Benelam, Nutrition Scientist
*Miss Heather Caswell, Nutrition Scientist
*Dr Elisabeth Weichselbaum, Nutrition Scientist
*Miss Helena Gibson-Moore, Research Assistant
*Miss Rebecca Foxen, Research Assistant
*Miss Kirandeep Rahelu, Placement Nutrition Assistant
ADMINISTRATION
*Mr Nicholas Baldwin, Senior Administration Officer
*Mrs Christine Price, Administration Officer
==Past staff==
The following data was collected from the BNF website at an unspecified date in the past.BNF, People
 
===Chairman of Council===
*Mr. J.W. Sutcliffe, Chief Executive, Grocery, Associated British Foods Plc
===Scientific Governors===
*Professor S.A. Bingham, BSc MA PhD FMedSci Deputy Director, MRC Dunn Nutrition Unit, Cambridge
*Professor J. Blundell, BSc PhD CPsychol FBPsS Department of Psychology, University of Leeds
*Professor A. de Looy, BSc PhD SRD Professor of Dietetics, Plymouth University
*Professor K. Fox, PhD Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Bristol
*Professor C.J.K. Henry BSc MSc PhD, Principal Lecturer Oxford Brookes University School of Biology
*Professor A.A. Jackson, MA MD FRCP Professor of Human Nutrition, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton
*Professor M. B. E. Livingstone, BEd MSc DPhil RNutr Professor of Nutrition, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster
*Professor M.S. Losowsky, MD FRCP Emeritus Professor of Medicine, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds
*Professor A.D.B. Malcolm, MA DPhil CBiol FIBiol FIFST Chief Executive, Institute of Biology
*Professor J.C. Mathers, BSc PhD Professor of Human Nutrition and Director of the Human Nutrition Research Centre, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
*Professor T.A.B. Sanders, BSc PhD DSc Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, King's College London University
*Professor C.M. Williams, BSc PhD Head of Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Reading
===Scientific Governors appointed by the Royal Society of London===
*Professor M. Peaker, DSc FRSE FRS 
===Industrial Governors===
*Mr. S. Barden, BSc MBA CEng
*Mr. M. Collyer, General Manager, Nutrition Business Unit, Nestlé UK Limited
*Mr. R.J. Fletcher, BSc Director, Scientific Affairs, Kelloggs Europe
*Mr. Paul Hebblethwaite, Group Technical Director, Cadbury Schweppes
*Miss A. Heughan, SRD Company Nutrition and Health Manager, Unilever Bestfoods UK
*Mr. J.W. Sutcliffe, BSc Chief Executive, Grocery, Associated British Foods plc, Chairman BNF
*Mr. G Weston, Managing Director, The Ryvita Company Limited
===General Governors===
*Mrs. S. J. Evans, Freelance writer and broadcaster 
*Mr. R.A. Marsh, BSc MSc CSci FIFST Managing Director, Food Processing, Faraday Partnership
*Mr. Rob Rees, Director, The Country Elephant Ltd.
===Ex-Officio Governors===
====Honorary President of Council:====
*Professor Dame Barbara Clayton, DBE MD PhD HonDSc FRCP Honorary Research Professor in Metabolism, University of Southampton, Honorary President, The British Nutrition Foundation
====Honorary Vice-Presidents of Council:====
*Mr. I.G.T. Ferguson BSC CBE, Chief Executive, Tate & Lyle Sugars
*Professor A. Shenkin, BSc PhD FRCP FRCPath Professor of Clinical Chemistry, University of Liverpool
====Honorary Treasurer:====
*C.J. Hart, BSc MSc FIFST 
*Members of the Board of Trustees
===BNF Staff===
From 
*Professor Robert Pickard, Director-General
*Mr. Peter Leigh, Company Secretary
*Miss Stephanie Valentine, Education Director
*Professor Judith Buttriss, Science Director
*Mr. Roy Ballam, Senior Education Officer
*Ms. Sara Stanner, Senior Nutrition Scientist
*Miss Brigid McKevith, Senior Nutrition Scientist
*Dr. Sarah Schenker, Nutrition Scientist
*Miss Claire Theobald, Education Officer
*Ms. Claire Williamson, Nutrition Scientist
*Miss Rebecca Foster, Nutrition Scientist
*Dr. Joanne Lunn, Nutrition Scientist
*Miss Anna Denny, Nutrition Scientist
*Mr. Nicholas Baldwin, Administration Officer
*Miss Donna Baker, Education Secretary
*Mrs. Stephanie Hyman, Research Assistant
*Miss Helen Marriott, Research Assistant
*Miss Charlotte Musgrove, Research Assistant
*Miss Naomi Campbell, Research Assistant
==Resources==
*Phil Chamberlain, Competing Interests: Independence of nutritional information? The British Nutrition Foundation promotes itself as a source of impartial information, but as Phil Chamberlain reports, it does not always make its links with industry clear, British Medical Journal, 22 March 2010
*Phil Chamberlain and Jeremy Laurance, Is the British Nutrition Foundation having its cake and eating it too? Group dedicated to healthy eating is partly funded by the food industry, The Independent, 22 March 2010
*John Yudkin, 'Attack is the best defence', Chapter 21 in Pure, White and Deadly, Penguin, 1988.
*Kath Dalmeny, 'Sugar Spin', The Ecologist, Date Published: 31 October 2003
==Contact==
:British Nutrition Foundation, 
:High Holborn House, 52-54 High Holborn, London WC1V 6RQ, UK
:Tel: 020 7404 6504
:Fax: 020 7404 6747
:Email: postbox@nutrition.org.uk
===Notes===
Category:Foodspin Front GroupsCategory:Food