The BRC has issued the first of a new series of food essays. Aimed at provoking informed debate over issues across the whole food chain, the essays will be released regularly and offered for free publication.

Richard Ali, BRC director of food policy said: "We have launched the BRC Food Essay as a way of encouraging informed debate on key food issues to both the consumer and the industry. Future essays will not come from just the retailers, but from leading academics and relevant figures across the whole food chain.

"There is an unprecedented interest in food from both consumers and those with a professional interest in the food sector. Given the vital, interesting nature of these issues, we hope the essay will not only be reproduced within industry journals but in consumer titles."