A UK food regulator has compared bringing cake into the office to passive smoking.

Head of the Food Standard Agency, Professor Susan Jebb, made the comments in an interview with The Times.

Accredited practising dietitian Simone Austin says the comparison is “probably going a bit far” but said office treats are derailing some workers’ health plans.

“We do need to try and support people on their health journey,” she told Ross and Russel.

Ms Austin recommends offering a fruit platter alongside birthday cake, or choosing one day a month when office birthdays are celebrated.

Press PLAY below for a dietitian’s view