Health Secretary John Reid is said to be targeting the supermarket checkout in the latest move to cut obesity rates in the UK.
A Department of Health source said that moving sweets away from the till area was “one simple thing” that could help reduce pressure and cut pester power from children trying to persuade parents to buy them treats.
Ministers are aware, however, that they are unable to ban sweets from the checkout and hope that support from the public for supermarket schemes could force a change towards healthier options such as fruit.
Food manufacturer Cadbury is already considering putting health warnings on the wrappers of its soft drinks, chocolates and sweets.
One in 10 six year olds and around 17 per cent of 15 year olds in the UK are now obese.
Posted by James at March 4, 2004 04:09 PM