Letter: Cost of healthy food

Sir: Is there a distinction between what is politically correct environmentally and politically correct in health terms? Surely not ("Junk food scores on energy efficiency", 4 December).

Junk food provides empty calories and the consumer and taxpayer pays more in chronic health costs. The intensive, monoculture methods often used to produce the raw materials can pollute the environment and damage biodiversity.

The main reason why healthier food currently does use more energy is packaging and transport costs; 30 per cent of the freight on our roads is foodstuffs. Local and shorter production chains are better all round. Reducing transport and providing fresher foods is essential on both health and environmental grounds.

VICKI HIRD

Sustainable Agriculture Food and Environment Alliance

London N1