1,000 health professionals call on NHS trusts to adopt plant-based menus

The letter was written by a coalition of NHS health professionals called the Plants First Healthcare Campaign, and has been sent to all NHS hospital trusts and integrated care boards across the UK as well as the Department of Health.

The coalition argued that there is now “overwhelming evidence” ​that shifting towards a predominantly plant-based food system can improve health outcomes and address health inequalities.

It also said that there is increasing data that suggests moving towards plant-based menus could save the NHS money.

According to recent estimates from the Office of Health Economics, if England was to adopt a completely plant-based diet there would be a total net benefit to the NHS of around £18.8bn per year.

The Plants First Healthcare Campaign advocates for the adoption of ‘Plant-Based by Default’ menus, which have been developed by non-profit Greener by Default.

In 2022, Greener By Default worked with 11 New York City hospitals on the adoption of a ‘Plant-Based by Default’ menu.

The process, which was supported by doctors and dietitians, has seen more than 50% of patients in those hospitals opt for plant-based meals moving forward, while 90% have reported that they were satisfied with the options.

“Plant-based meals can have direct health benefits,”​ the letter said.

“By encouraging a higher consumption of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and legumes we can reduce the prevalence of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity and certain cancers.​

“We ask that in 2024 NHS healthcare organisations commit to implementing a ‘Plant-based by Default’ menu in order to promote a healthier and more sustainable food environment for patients and staff.”​

In other news, the Vegan Food Group has completed the sale of its Wiesbaum production facility in Germany to the New Originals Company.​​

This strategic move will allow the group to concentrate on expanding operations at its larger Lüneburg facility, which produces the bulk of its plant-based products.