MPs are calling for a new rule that would require all major supermarkets—including Aldi, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Lidl—to prominently display fruit and vegetables near entrances and checkouts. The aim is to boost sales of healthy produce and combat the obesity epidemic.
Government Urged to Act on Food Labeling and Displays
The parliamentary committee recommends that the government enforce front-of-pack traffic light-style labels on all food products, indicating their healthiness. Some supermarkets already use this system voluntarily. Additionally, MPs want food producers to disclose the percentage of their sales from healthy versus unhealthy products, a measure the government previously announced but has not yet implemented.
Ban on Fast Food Outlets Near Schools
Layla Moran, chair of the committee and a Liberal Democrat MP, emphasized the need to curb the constant bombardment of promotions and adverts. She called for a ban on fast food outlets near schools and in areas with high childhood obesity levels. “It has become common sense that if we want to stem the tide of the obesity epidemic in children, we should be removing the temptation of fast food outlets in the vicinity of schools,” Moran said. She urged the government to update national planning regulations to give local authorities power to restrict such outlets.
Industry Pushback
However, the Advertising Association opposed the proposed measures, stating that advertising restrictions do not reduce obesity. A spokesperson said, “Decades of research across multiple academic disciplines has repeatedly shown that advertising does not contribute to long-term changes in obesity or BMI and that advertising restrictions do not improve the nation’s health.” They also dismissed a potential ban on outdoor advertising as ineffective against childhood obesity.
MPs counter that ministers must be more courageous and stand up to industry challenges that delay measures to limit poor diet. The committee's recommendations aim to create a healthier food environment for children and families across the UK.
