UK government Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, who recently announced The Public Health Responsibility Deal calorie reduction pledge, said: “Eating and drinking too many calories is at the heart of the nation’s obesity problem.
“This pledge is just the start of what must be a bigger, broader commitment from the food industry. But it is a great step in the right direction and will help millions of us eat and drink fewer calories.”
Signatories have six weeks to submit their plans for the pledge.
Companies making commitments will be asked to provide delivery plans and annual updates on their progress.
Mars announced last month that it would cap the calories of its chocolate items to 250 calories per portion by the end of 2013.
Nestle has said that it will continue its reformulation efforts, while Kraft said it would introduce resealable packaging on its Diary Milk bars to control portions.