Seven or eight years ago I gave a speech to sixth formers at ISOS.
I was asked not to talk exclusively about tobacco so I wrote a speech (which I have plundered several times since) entitled 'Food is the new tobacco'.
In the intervening years what seemed fanciful to some ears is fast becoming reality. For example, I have just been sent information about a conference being held in Manchester next year:
At Obesity and Related Conditions: Tackling an Epidemic we will be exploring what action can be taken to combat raising obesity levels and our expert programme of speakers will be examining what really works. The agenda will debate the key issues associated with individual behaviour, government legislation, food production and labelling, physical activity, childhood obesity and medical and financial interventions. A new approach is needed to help to tackle the causes and consequences of excess weight and help support individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
Confirmed speakers include Richard Cienciala, Deputy Director of Health and Wellbeing, Department of Health; Professor Mike Kelly PHD, Director, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE); and Dr Hilary Cass, President, Royal College of Paediatric and Child Health Society.
The full list of invited speakers includes not a single person from the food industry.
Consumers are represented by one speaker - but wait, it's Sue Davies, chief policy adviser of the consumer group Which? and a quick check on Google reveals that Davies is a strong supporter of traffic-light labelling which is opposed by many people within the food industry.
You might think that this would provide a good opportunity for a healthy debate but that's not something the organisers of Obesity and Related Conditions: Tackling an Epidemic appear to have much interest in.
In fact, as far as I can tell, it's the usual closed shop.
One thing is certain. Which? doesn't represent me or, I am sure, millions of other consumers, as the following clearly demonstrates:
Government 'failing' on obesity crisis Which? has warned (Daily Telegraph)