In 2021 the ACBS launched a consultation looking at standardising pack sizes of ready-to-drink (RTD) oral nutritional supplements (ONS) to 125ml and 200ml. The consultation ran from 19 April 2021 to 1 August 2021, receiving 497 responses.

After a lengthy review period, the ACBS published its final report (1) on 22 August 2024.

Even though the consultation proposed a change to adult ONS volume size, the outcome of the consultation is that the ACBS is not recommending action on volume size at this time.

This is a positive outcome for patients, the NHS and industry as restricting pack sizes would have a negative impact on compliance, innovation, and patient choice.

For example, the ‘standard’ 125ml compact bottle size came about following innovation in response to efforts to improve patient compliance and nutritional intake. 125ml is now widely used and accepted in clinical practice.

In addition to not recommending action on volume size, the ACBS has said it will engage with stakeholders to:

• consider the role of dietitians in primary care and dietetic leadership
• determine how knowledge and communication issues might be addressed
• explore further the reported problems with prescribing systems and ONS

BSNA and its Members will continue to support the ACBS to ensure safe and appropriate prescribing which doesn’t negatively impact patients or the NHS.

The full outcome of the consultation can be read here.

(1) www.gov.uk/government/consultations/oral-nutritional-supplements-acbs-policy/outcome/acbs-policy-on-standard-adult-ready-to-drink-oral-nutritional-supplements-consultation-response