Since 1956 the Flour Advisory Bureau (FAB) has been providing information on all matters relating to flour and bread in the UK to the public, media, schools, health professionals; and the catering, retailing and baking trades.

The FAB is also keen to encourage people to eat bread as part of a healthy, balanced diet. From educational materials to issue led PR initiatives, the promotion of bread in all it’s variety, versatility, vitality and not least its nutritional value has always been a priority for the FAB.



UK's growing obesity epidemic
The prevalence of obesity in Britain has trebled in the last 20 years. If these trends continue 30% of the adult population will be obese by 2010. Obesity is associated with a reduction in life expectancy of between 3 and 14 years primarily due to increases in risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Obesity also contributes to a substantial burden of ill health especially type 2 diabetes. As the nation struggles to keep its weight down the flour and bread industry has responded by actively promoting the proven weight loss benefits of a diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates, coupled with exercise.

The FAB commissioned an independent literature review – “Tackling the Weight of the Nation” – which considered proven strategies in delivering sustained weight loss. The report pulls together the very extensive research in relation to low-fat, high carbohydrate diets and shows conclusively that an effective, realistic and achievable strategy for long-term weight management with clear health benefits does exist. Produced by Dr Susan Jebb and Dr Toni Steer of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Nutrition Research in Cambridge, the peer reviewed report includes evidence from lifestyle intervention studies in Europe and North America that show that overweight individuals who become active, reduce the fat in their diet and include unrefined carbohydrates can significantly reduce their weight over several years. Modest weight losses of 5-10% of initial weight over a 4-year period have been shown to more than halve the new cases of diabetes.

The health strategies that can achieve this require people to:

• Be more active, reducing sedentary activities and increasing programmed exercise
• Eat less fat
• Eat proportionally more wholegrain and high-fibre carbohydrate foods
• Reduce added sugars, especially soft drinks
• Reduce portions of energy-dense foods
• Plan regular meals, including breakfast.

The Vitality Eating System
The FAB worked with a team of experts and nutritionists to develop the ultimate eating and lifestyle plan, following the recommendations outlined in the report. The Vitality Eating System targets women who are interested in either losing or maintaining their weight whilst eating healthily. The system provides consistent, accurate and proven information based on sound science and has been endorsed by the experts and by top celebrities such as Gaby Logan, Cat Deeley and Lorraine Kelly. Whilst providing a healthy long-term option to faddy and quick fix diets the system focuses upon effective, realistic and practical dietary advice for consumers. The diet plans are regularly updated and also include dedicated menus for particular occasions, for example Christmas. Copies can be downloaded from www.fabflour.co.uk, or you can order a copy via email fab@nabim.org.uk or phone 020 7493 2521.

Allergy v Intolerance
What's the Real Story?
Every day there seems to be a story in the newspapers, magazines or on TV about foods causing unpleasant reactions. In fact, the terms food allergy and intolerance are much misused and apparently misunderstood by the media and the general public. In particular, wheat seems to be blamed for causing allergies despite only 0.1% of the population being affected. More information can be found at www.wheatintolerance.co.uk

Education
The Grain Chain is a joint venture funded by the Flour Advisory Bureau and the Home Grown Cereals Authority. It has produced curriculum linked education resources since 2001, and has developed a library of materials covering early years to Key Stage 4. Topics covered include wheat production and storage; milling; baking; food production; nutrition; business and retail; and cooking skills. The materials include an interactive white board activities; film clips demonstrating cooking skills and food production; student worksheets; teacher information sheets; recipes and games.

The resources also feature extension activities suited to after school clubs and even children's parties at home.

All materials are available free of charge and can be downloaded via the website www.grainchain.com



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