Specialist nutrition industry groups welcome multi-disciplinary approach proposed in newly published 'EU Beating Cancer Plan'
BSNA joins with Specialised Nutrition Europe (SNE) and Medical Nutrition Industry (MNI) to welcome the publication of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan this week (3 February) and its focus on building holistic treatment pathways delivered by multi-disciplinary care teams.
Supply of Specialist Infant Formula in Northern Ireland
Reassurance on temporary delays to distribution of a specialist formula in Northern Ireland
Supply of formula milk products in the context of Dover travel disruption
We take the opportunity to reassure parents that formula milk products remain available and are unaffected by the current travel disruption in Dover.
BSNA welcomes the Hospital Food Review as an important step in improving nutritional care for all patients
BSNA members welcome the Independent Review of NHS Hospital Food's report and its recognition that ensuring patients are properly fed and hydrated is a vital part of treatment and recovery for all patients. This has been particularly important for COVID-19 patients, including those on tube feeds and intravenous nutrition.
MNI: From Hospital to Home with Parenteral Nutrition
Medical Nutrition International (MNI) Industry have recently launched an animation video titled "From Hospital to Home with Parenteral Nutrition". The video seeks to raise awareness of the use of parenteral nutrition (PN) at home and to show the steps taken in the path from hospital to home with PN.
UK Malnutrition Awareness Week: Why it is important and even more so TODAY - All Party Health Group Blog
MPs in the All Party Health Group have welcomed UK Malnutrition Awareness Group in this blog piece published this week.
Parenteral Nutrition: ensuring high quality throughout preparation, supply and administration
The process of producing Parenteral Nutrition (PN) is a complex one involving multiple, carefully controlled and regulated steps. These steps are essential to ensure the quality of products is maintained during production, processing, delivery and administration.
BSNA supports World Food Safety Day and joins with calls on all stakeholders to come together for food safety
Safe and nutritious food plays an essential role in providing for the health and wellbeing of people around the world, as well as supporting communities by driving economic development and alleviating poverty. This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BSNA responds to WHO Status Report 2020: Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes
BSNA Members welcome the World Health organization’s (WHO)‘ Status Report 2020’ on the implementation of the International Code of Breast Milk Substitutes and its findings that “progress has continued to be made on the promotion and protection of breastfeeding”.
Why medical foods are vital to the treatment and recovery of COVID-19 patients
BSNA members have and continue to play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of patients who have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19.
Arsenic in rice
Reassurance to parents that rice products specifically marketed for infants and young children up to three years old are highly regulated to ensure their safety and strict compliance with food safety regulations.
ISDI brochure on Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP)
The brochure provides the international background regarding Foods for Special Medical Purposes
(FSMP) based on THE STANDARD FOR THE LABELLING OF AND CLAIMS FOR FOODS FOR SPECIAL
MEDICAL PURPOSES – CODEX STAN 180-1991 (FSMP) which defines at international level this category
of products.
MNI Grant 2020
The MNI grant rewards national initiatives or research projects for Optimal Nutritional Care. The objective is to support and/or inspire high quality initiatives. Over the past 10 years, the MNI Grant has supported or stimulated ambitious initiatives – endorsed by PEN (or sister) societies worldwide – which have contributed to improving nutritional care policies at national level.
Malnutrition - A condition that affects 33 million people in Europe
The Medical Nutrition International Industry (MNI) has developed an infographic to explain malnutrition, a condition that affects 33 million people in Europe.
Parenteral nutrition webinar with Antje Teubner
We are delighted to announce 2 free webinars discussing parenteral nutrition use in advanced cancer, on Monday 24 February 2020
INFANT AND FOLLOW-ON FORMULA: NEW REGULATIONS
The regulations for infant formula (IF) and follow-on formula (FoF) are changing and will apply from 22 February 2020. Healthcare Professionals should make themselves familiar with the new regulations so that they can help and support parents.
New EU Regulation on Foods for Special Medical Purposes for infants
On 22 February 2020, the new European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/128 on Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) intended for infants will come into force. This regulation updates, but largely retains, the existing rules for FSMPs, including the definitions of the category and the nutritional composition. However, it updates specific requirements for FSMPs intended for infants, including labelling and formulation.The deadline for compliance is 22 February 2020 for all FSMPs intended for infants.
World Cancer Day
BSNA welcomes the European Commission initiative ‘Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan’ aiming to tackle the second leading cause of mortality in the European Union.
Making a real difference to patients’ nutritional care - Cambridge plays host to the Optimal Nutritional Care for All Annual Conference November 2019
The Optimal Nutritional Care for All (ONCA) campaign is a multi-stakeholder initiative to encourage greater screening for disease-related malnutrition and nutritional care implementation across Europe. It was launched in 2014 and is now in its’ fifth year. The ONCA campaign supports national professional societies, associations and patient groups in public health and health care to implement nutritional risk screening and optimal nutritional care in their country.
Putting nutrition at the heart of patient care – BSNA manifesto for specialist nutrition
BSNA has today published our Manifesto for Specialist Nutrition 2019. The Association is calling on all parties to ensure that their health and care policies place nutrition at the heart of patient care.
Time to solve childhood obesity: an independent report by the Chief Medical Officer
BSNA members welcome Dame Sally Davies’ report and support her vision to help all children get a healthy start in life. BSNA members believe it is by working in close partnership with all stakeholders, including industry, that progress on infant diet and health will be achieved.
Publication of EFSA opinion on the Appropriate age range for introduction of complementary feeding into an infant’s diet
BSNA members note EFSA’s scientific opinion on the safe age for the introduction of complementary foods and also take into account the advice from the Department of Health and Social Care on this issue. Our members acknowledge that infants develop at different rates and always recommend that parents speak with a healthcare professional to ensure that their babies are showing appropriate signs of developmental readiness before introducing solid foods.
INDUSTRY SUPPORTS ADVANCING HEALTH IN THE PREVENTION GREEN PAPER.
BSNA has responded to the publication of the Prevention Green Paper, 'Advancing our Health: prevention in the 2020s’
BSNA CALLS FOR EVIDENCE BASED CHILD ORAL HEALTH DEBATE
BSNA has responded to The Lancet Series on Oral Health, published 17 July 2019.
WHO Europe Region report: Commercial foods for infants and young children in the WHO European Region (2019)
BSNA notes the report published by WHO Europe Region on 15 July 2019. BSNA members are committed to making nutritious products and marketing them in a responsible way, in line with the aims and principles of the WHO code as set out in UK law.
Baby food companies support measures to improve infant health
Press release: BSNA responds to Public Health England’s Report on foods and drinks aimed at infants and young children: evidence and opportunities for action June 2019
Celebrating World Food Safety Day
The first ever World Food Safety Day (WFSD) will be celebrated on 7 June 2019 to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development. (UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation and World Health Organisation 2019).
The Introduction of Complementary Feeding
BSNA members recognise that current NHS start4life weaning recommendations are that weaning or complementing feeding should start ‘around’ 6 months, alongside breast milk or infant formula, and once an infant is displaying the signs of developmental readiness.
Infant Nutrition Industry calls for balanced reporting in important baby feeding debate
BSNA members are disappointed that Channel 4 televised a very misleading episode of Dispatches on 18 March 2019, with many inaccuracies and assertions likely to unduly concern parents who, whether due to medical need or personal choice, feed their children infant formula.
Hard to stomach – the malnutrition emergency in the NHS
Despite having the tools to prevent disease-related malnutrition, the UK is facing an increase in cases.
New EU Regulation on Foods for Special Medical Purposes
On 22 February 2019, the new European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/128 on Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) will come into force. This regulation updates, but largely retains, the existing rules for FSMPs, including the definitions of the category and the nutritional composition. However, it updates specific requirements for FSMPs, including labelling and formulation.The deadline for compliance is 22 February 2019 for all FSMPs for use in patients from one years old, with the rules for FSMPs developed for infants applying from February 2020.
Report on malnutrition in NHS hospitals
On 28 January 2019, The Sun and The Daily Mail reported: ‘Starved to death - Three patients a day die from malnutrition, thirst or choking on hospital wards’.
Industry Committed to Responsible Interaction with Healthcare Professionals and RCPCH
The infant formula manufacturer members of BSNA are committed to responsible interaction with healthcare professionals (HCPs) as part of their support for the aims and principles of the WHO Code.
NHS ENGLAND GUIDANCE ON PRESCRIBING GLUTEN-FREE FOODS IN ENGLAND
NHS England has published guidance for Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) on the prescribing of gluten-free foods in primary care in England. This follows the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) consultation outcome, to continue to allow access to gluten-free foods on prescription in England but to restrict items to gluten-free bread products and mixes only.
Changes to Gluten-free Prescribing in Primary Care in England
An amendment to the Prescribing Regulations came into force on the 4 December 2018 and from this date only gluten-free bread products and mixes will be available on prescription in England. All other gluten free foods will no longer be prescribed and will be blacklisted within the amended Regulation.
The cost of infant feeding
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby and is important for both mother and baby’s health and wellbeing. Where a mother chooses not to or is unable to breastfeed BSNA’s members provide a range of formula milks available to meet the nutritional requirements of babies.
Infant Formula Industry in the UK sets down new Code of Practice
The manufacturers of formula milks in the UK have today committed to adhere to a new Code of Practice.
ARSENIC: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Rice is an important contributor to a balanced and healthy diet, and a staple food source for many. Rice based cereals are often used as an important part of the weaning stage of an infant’s diet; healthcare associations continue to encourage parents to feed babies a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of infant cereals including oatmeal, wheat, multigrain or rice, from first weaning.
Royal College of Midwives comments on new study on breastmilk and preterm infants
The Royal College of Midwives has provided comment on recent research published by the University of Edinburgh.
New Department and Health and Social Care consultation on gluten-free foods on prescription in England
The Department and Health and Social Care has launched a consultation on the Regulations of gluten-free food on prescription in England
Feeding the Preterm Infant
Thanks to advances in antenatal care, the overall survival rates for preterm infants has increased in England over the last two decades. These infants are vulnerable and specialist paediatric dietitians have a crucial role to play in providing the nutritional support and intervention required to make sure that the diet of these infants is effectively managed.
Prescribing ONS: The requirements for individual clinical circumstances
NHS England Guidance on Commissioning Excellent Nutrition and Hydration 2015-2018, NICE Clinical Guideline 32 on Nutrition Support in Adults (CG32) and NICE Quality Standard 24 (QS24), support the use of Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) whenever there is a clinical need to do so.
Royal College of Midwives publishes new position on infant feeding
BSNA supports the Royal College of Midwives’ (RCM) new position statement on infant feeding, published on 12 June.
Parents should be provided with all the information and support they need to feed their newborn baby. The new position statement from RCM recommends that balanced and relevant information be given to parents choosing to formula feed their babies, whether exclusively or partially, to enable them to do so safely and with support to develop a close and loving bond with the baby. This is to is to be welcomed, in the best interests of both parent and child.
Study finds huge variation in the prescribing of gluten-free foods
Gluten-free prescribing is in a state of flux, with substantial clinically unwarranted variation between practices and CCGs according to a study punlished in BMJ Open.
2018 MNI GRANT
The Medical Nutrition International Industry (MNI) is pleased to announce an award of €30,000 to planned national initiatives or research projects to support Optimal Nutrition Care.
IDDSI is coming!
From 1 April 2018, healthcare professionals will begin to see the IDDSI Framework transition into healthcare settings.
NEW RESEARCH FOR NUTRITION AND HYDRATION WEEK 2018
BSNA supports high quality, safe nutrition and hydration for all patients and welcomes Nutrition and Hydration Week 2018.
The Department of Health and Social Care consultation recognises value of gluten-free foods for coeliacs
Gluten-free breads and flour mixes should remain on prescription to those who are clinically diagnosed with coeliac disease according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). This announcement follows a National consultation which received an overwhelming number of responses from a range of stakeholders, including patients and clinicians.
Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for patients with advanced malignancy: British Intestinal Failure Alliance (BIFA) statement
Advances in the delivery of parenteral nutrition (nutrition through the vein) and improved homecare support has helped to open-up new possibilities of feeding individuals (at home) with advanced malignancy and intestinal failure.
Supporting the continued safe production of infant formula
BSNA members adhere to strict safety protocols to mitigate against contamination with bacteria, and formula milks are routinely tested for the presence of pathogens. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have confirmed that no UK products have been affected by this issue.
New EU acrylamide legislation
Acrylamide is a chemical substance formed by a reaction between amino acids and sugars, both of which are natural components of plant and plant-derived ingredients. Acrylamide is not deliberately added to foods, it is a natural by-product of the cooking process and typically occurs when foods with high starch content such as potatoes, root vegetables and bread, are cooked at high temperatures (over 120°C).
Commission Notice on the classification of Food for Special Medical Purposes
BSNA welcomes the Commission Notice on the classification of Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) to ensure EU harmonisation on the scope and definition of the category
Study finds gluten-free mixes superior to plain gluten-free flour
A study from Brunel University, comparing gluten-free multi-purpose mixes to plain gluten-free flour, found the functionality of gluten-free mixes to be superior to plain gluten-free flours.
NEW BSNA Infographic on Baby Foods
BSNA members are committed to supporting parents and care-givers in the feeding of infants in the first three years of life by offering a wide range of specifically formulated food products. To provide an illustrative overview of the key role commercial complementary foods can play in supporting the appropriate nutrient intake in healthy babies, the legislation in place and the current nutritional picture across Europe, BSNA have designed a new baby foods infographic.
No detectable pesticide residues found in baby foods in the UK: FSA monitoring programme highlights approaches to food safety that have been made by baby food manufacturers
All EU countries have a national monitoring programme and all major components of national diet are sampled for pesticide residues. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) carries out this essential monitoring role in the UK. FSA’s pesticide residues surveillance programme monitors pesticide residues* in food and drink, including infant foods, in the UK supply chain.
Industry commitment to providing high quality, safe and age appropriate nutrition for infants and young children
The infant nutrition industry is committed to acting in a responsible, ethical, and professional manner. Our purpose is to provide safe and adequate nutrition for infants. When marketing follow on-formula and young child formula we provide the information necessary to support their safe and proper use.
RCSLT and BDA formally adopt IDDSI
The Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT) and The British Dietetic Association (BDA) have formally adopted the IDDSI Framework.
The Value of Nutrition on Prescription
Nutrition is imperative to our existence and over the years the awareness of the importance of good nutrition has increased, including the role that nutrition can play in preventing and managing disease and medical conditions. High quality nutritional care should be at the heart of patient care but, in reality, it is still often ignored.
An Update on Specialist Nutrition
An update on specialist nutrition, produced by BSNA, is now available in the October edition of Complete Nutrition (CN) Magazine.
How can food and drink manufacturers tackle public health issues?
Tackling the Health Challenge – 2nd November 2017, FDF, London
Making a Meal of it
Breastmilk is unequivocally the best source of nutrients for a healthy infant, however in order to provide accurate information and advice to parents, are you updated on the various formula milks available on the market? Katherine Sykes overviews the recent shifts in the regulation, innovation and prescription of formula milks.
The Importance of Appropriately Managing Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a serious problem, with more than three million people in the UK either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. This is estimated to cost the public purse £19.6 billion a year. Katherine Sykes discusses the importance of appropriately managing malnutrition in a recent article in Complete Nutrition.
A recent study reports a significantly higher patient adherence to a gluten-free diet when receiving gluten-free foods on prescription
Adhering to a GF diet is known to be challenging, and this is shown by levels of adherence ranging between 36-96%. In England, National Prescribing Guidelines recommend prescribing 18 units per month for adults clinically diagnosed with CD. However, a number of local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are currently restricting or removing GF prescriptions, resulting in disparity.
New Research: a review of nutrition economics - the vital role of nutrition intervention in malnutrition management
More and more, nutrition economic studies are showing that nutrition care is a cost-effective way to prevent and treat medical problems for both acute and chronic health conditions.
Complementary Foods - New briefing document now available
Complementary foods, also known as ‘weaning foods’ or ‘baby foods’, facilitate the transition from a liquid diet based on breastmilk or infant formula, to one which includes solid foods.
In the UK it is recommended that complementary feeding occurs around 6 months of age. During this period of life, due to rapid growth and development, nutrient needs are very high.
Commercially prepared complementary foods can help to ensure parents may always provide a variety of balanced and healthy foods that offer a range of tastes and textures. They can be used as part of a diversified diet to help support the safe nourishment of young children.
Department of Health Consultation - BSNA's official response
The Department of Health launched a consultation on the availability of gluten-free foods on prescription, which ended at midday on 22 June 2017.
An Update on Specialist Nutrition
An update on specialist nutrition, published in the June edition of CN Magazine. This month BSNA discusses the innovation and regulation of formula milks, along with the Department of Health's consultation on the availability of gluten-free foods on prescription.
Coeliac UK Press Release
Coeliac UK has published their response to the the Department of Health's Consultation on the availability of gluten-free foods on prescription
Gluten-free Prescriptions in Primary Care - Have Your Say: Take our survey
BSNA are seeking the views of those who suffer from coeliac disease to help respond to the Department of Health consultation on the availability of gluten-free foods on prescription.
Press release from the ONCA workshop in Prague
Malnutrition associated with disease and under-nutrition negatively affects the treatment of patients in European countries. Each patient should be systematically screened, and if identified or at risk of becoming malnourished, should have access to adequate, equitable and high-quality nutritional care.
Arsenic in Rice - Some Facts
Research carried out at Queens University Belfast by Professor Meharg and colleagues and reported in the media was carried out using products bought in February 2016. This was one month after the application of the legislative requirements. It is likely that all samples were manufactured before the legislation came into force.
There have been no validated reports of children or babies becoming ill from the very small amounts of arsenic found in these products.
If any safety concern existed in relation to the products on the market before January, 2016, they would have been withdrawn from the market. This did not happen confirming the safety of these products.
The Innovation and Regulation of Formula Milks
Over the past year, there has been an increasing focus on the regulatory environment of formula milks. In May 2016, a resolution was proposed at the World Health Assembly (WHA), which called for the banning of advertising of all formulas for the first three years of life. Over the same summer, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) consulted its members on whether the College should receive any funding from formula milk companies. In late 2016, Alison Thewliss MP introduced a Bill to the House of Commons, Feeding Products for Babies and Children (Advertising and Promotion).
New Public Health England survey: Perceived barriers to breastfeeding
A mother will always want the best for her new born baby and when it comes to feeding, the research demonstrates that breastmilk provides the best nutritional support for a growing infant. However, in reality, breastfeeding rates in the UK are low. New survey data from Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England indicates that although almost three-quarters of women start breastfeeding when their child is born, within 6-8 weeks this has dropped to 44%.
Myth-busting gluten-free facts from Coeliac UK
Coeliac UK have written 5 myth-busting facts about gluten-free foods.
Kevan Jones MP calls for rethink on NHS gluten-free prescription withdrawal proposals
Kevan Jones MP is calling for the Government to maintain gluten free foods on prescriptions, following the announcement from Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, that a national review will be conducted looking at 10 prescription items.
Gluten free prescribing in the news today - BSNA statement
Today Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, has announced there will be a review of low value prescription items from April 2017, introducing new guidance for CCGs.
Best practice for the provision of nutrition supply services including feeds, pumps, consumables, home delivery and associated support services
Tendering for nutrition supply services can be considered a complex and significant undertaking, involving collaboration from a wide range and diversity of stakeholders. The ‘Best practice for the provision of nutrition supply services including feeds, pumps, consumables, home delivery and associated support services’ document is intended to support procurement groups/clinicians throughout the process and aims to define and encourage best practice with regard to the procurement of nutrition supply services across the whole health economy.
Elderly Care Homes: Hydration and Malnutrition
Good nutrition is important all through life, but never more so than in old age, when a healthy diet is a vital part of any strategy to help older people stay active, disease-free and independent.
Losing weight in old age is 'not normal' and should be seen as an alarm bell
The Telegraph has published an article titled 'Losing weight in old age is 'not normal' and should be seen as alarm bell' discussing the warning signs and consequences of malnutirtion. A study by the Malnutrition Task Force has shown a tripling in the number of patients admitted to hospital suffering from malnutrition over the past decade. Experts have said that losing weight in old age could be an “alarm bell” for malnutrition or cancer, as losing weight is not a normal part of ageing.
IFST Conference: Goodbye PARNUTS, hello FSG
On 1 March 2017 the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) held a conference discussing the changes in legislation from PARNUTS to FSG.
Food and drink supply chain calls for early agreement on future UK trade with Ireland
An open letter to the UK Government on future trading with the Republic of Ireland as the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
Bill proposed by Alison Thewliss MP duplicates existing law
A Bill was published this week by Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central (SNP). First presented to the House of Commons on 16 November 2016, a second reading was scheduled for Friday 24 February, but has now been postponed to 24 March 2017.
An Update on Specialist Nutrition
Specialist nutrition helps people to be healthy, survive and thrive at every stage of their lives. It supports positive health outcomes and reduces costs to the NHS. This month, our CN Column discusses two main topics.
Infant Formula Legislation
Breastmilk is the best nutrition for a baby and the first feeds protect against infection as antibodies are passed to the baby. Where a mother cannot or chooses not to breastfeed, infant formula is the only safe alternative that should be used.
New NICE Quality Standard on Coeliac Disease, published October 2016, supports the provision of gluten-free food on prescription
BSNA calls on CCGs to ensure that gluten free food is available on prescription. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has launched its first Quality Standard on coeliac disease, aiming to drive standards in the diagnosis, support and care of people with coeliac disease. It also identifies areas where health inequalities negatively impact patients who suffer from coeliac disease.
Article on 'Malnutrition in the Elderly' in NHD Magazine
BSNA has written an article on malnutrition in the elderly, which was published in NHD Magazine.
Statement on Childhood Obesity - A Plan for Action
The British Specialist Nutrition Association (BSNA) and its members recognise their responsibility in meeting the challenges posed by obesity.
Prescribing Oral Nutritional Supplements in NHD Magazine
BSNA has written an article on prescribing Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS), which was published in the August / September edition of the NHD Magazine.