Retailers, despite 'labelling themselves as the consumer's friend', were the worst performing sector, according to the report.
The survey studied the activities and policies of leading retailers, manufacturers and caterers. Companies were rated according to what they were doing to address the health agenda agreed by the world's governments at the World Health Organisation.
In response to the findings, British Retail Consortium food policy director Andrew Orpie said: 'This is a global report and in no way reflects the situation in this country. UK retailers are doing a huge amount on this issue and are fully engaged in the debate on obesity and healthy eating at all levels.'
The BRC published its Healthy Options report earlier this year, which concluded that UK retailers were leading the way in the EU in providing clearly labelled healthy option products.
Tesco came out on top of the retailers, scoring 14 out of 28 on the key indicators. But this was well behind manufacturers Cadbury and Unilever, who scored 20 and 24 respectively. Wal Mart scored just two.
Ian Lang, one of the authors of the report, said: 'I was surprised and disturbed. We expected the retailers to be the best performing sector. They are disengaged with the public health agenda. We regret the motivation seems to be mainly defensive - they need pressure from outside'
Orpie added: 'Retailers' efforts are already being reflected in changes in consumption, but there is still a long way to go. It needs everyone, including manufacturers and Government, to work together to help bring a major cultural change amongst UK consumers.'
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