High street stores should ‘move junk food away from the checkouts’ so it is harder to find, experts claim
SUPERMARKETS should remove junk food from store entrances, aisle ends and checkouts so it is harder to find, health campaigners say.
They claim placing chocolate, crisps and doughnuts in high-profile areas encourages people to buy more and is fuelling the obesity crisis.
But critics warn it will not be long before junk food is treated like fags and porn mags and only sold over the counter or from top shelves.
The Obesity Health Alliance, which represents charities and medical groups, found 70% of food and drink in these areas was high in fat, sugar or salt.
And their survey of Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores revealed an average of just 1% was healthier fruit and vegetables.
Public Health England guidelines suggest eating five portions of fruit and veg a day, which should make up over a third of our diet.
More than one in three children leaves primary school too fat, increasing their risk of cancer, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease in later life.
The Government is expected to launch a consultation on the promotion and placement of junk food as part of its Childhood Obesity Strategy.
Caroline Cerny, from the Obesity Health Alliance, said: “Where products are located in shops influences how likely we are to purchase them.
“Sugary treats prominently displayed at checkouts or store entrances will be highly tempting to anyone, but especially children who will then likely pester their parents to buy them.
“Action is needed to create healthier environments for families across the country.
“Some supermarkets seem to be taking positive steps to limit where they promote unhealthy food but we need a level playing field.
“The OHA is calling on Government to restrict the placement of unhealthy food and drinks in high profile locations in supermarkets to help families make healthier choices when shopping”.
Bryony Sinclair, from the World Cancer Research Fund, said: “Displaying sugary food and drinks in prominent positions is unacceptable.
“These powerful promotions tempt shoppers to make unhealthy last-minute decisions.
“Many of these food and drinks contain more sugar than the daily recommended amount for a young child.
“Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, and being overweight or obese increases the risk of 12 different types of cancer.
“Governments need to introduce policies that prevent supermarkets from promoting unhealthy food and drinks in prominent positions, in order to help create environments that support healthier choices.”
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Christopher Snowdon, from the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “People want to buy a variety of goods in a supermarket and popular items should be conveniently placed.
“It won’t be long before Mars Bars are treated like cigarettes, hidden behind screens and only available to buy over the counter.
“And pizzas will be treated like porn mags, placed on the top shelf, out of reach and out of sight of ‘vulnerable’ youngsters.”
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