To find out what other measures manufacturers should take, watch this exclusive video interview with the Oxford professor filmed at the Oxford Farming Conference.
While acknowledging progress that manufacturers had made in reformulations and product innovations, she said much more remained to be achieved.
“I’m here today really to make a case why food is so very important for good health,” she said. “I think we have already seen manufacturers and retailers taking that on board.”
Childhood obesity strategy
During the interview, Jebb also discussed the government’s hotly anticipated childhood obesity strategy and David Cameron’s recent refusal to rule out a sugar tax.
“I’m really pleased to see they are reconsidering the notion of a tax on sugary drinks. I think that would be one step worth taking,” she said. “But we must not kid ourselves that will be enough.”
Jebb was interviewed by FoodManufacture.co.uk before her speech – Food for a fitter future – at the conference in Oxford on Thursday, January 7.
During the conference, there was also a heated discussion about Brexit and Sainsbury’s director of brand Judith Batchelar warned of a “perfect nutritional storm”.