Sweets to be banned at tills
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- Published: Tuesday, 15 January 2019 08:28
- Written by News Editor
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Promotional deals on unhealthy snacks placed at shop tills could be curbed under a proposed government clampdown on the epidemic in childhood obesity. Public health minister, Steve Brine, said: “Preventing ill health is critical to our long-term plan for the NHS and I want to do everything in my power to keep people healthy for longer. This must start with the health and nutrition of our children.
Restrictions on offers for foods that are high in sugar and fat have been put out for consultation, the Department of Health and Social Care has said. The plans would also target unplanned purchases of sweets and sugary drinks placed near checkouts. Polling suggests a majority of parents cave in to children’s demands for the last-minute buys, the department said.
The minister continued: “Tackling childhood obesity means working together across society, with industry, public services and families all having a role to play. This is about ensuring businesses are doing their part to shift the balance and help children and families eat healthier options like fruit and vegetables.”
Under the plans, businesses would remain able to offer individual price reductions, but promotional deals that encourage overeating by requiring people to buy more in order to get money off would be restricted. One in three children leaves primary school overweight or obese and the number classed as seriously obese is at a record high, the department said. Sales rose by more than 50 per cent when sugar-filled and fatty snacks were placed in prominent areas, it added.
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