Co-op to remove sweets from checkouts in battle against childhood obesity

Sweets with packaging aimed at children will be removed, and replaced with healthier options



The Co-op is removing sweets from its checkouts to help in the battle against child obesity.

The supermarket will be removing sugary snacks aimed at children and replacing them with healthier choices.

The move was announced by the West Midlands representative on the Co-op Members’ Council, David Hallam, who is a former director of the International Diabetes Federation and Member of the European Parliament.

He said: “This is good news for parents who dread having their children pining and making a scene for unhealthy sweets at checkouts.

“I just hope every other convenience chain follows suit. Too many sweets represent a massive threat to children’s health.

“It’s not just about teeth but excessive sugar represents a threat to long term health with obesity , heart problems and diabetes in later life.”

The Co-op Group told Mr Hallam that “following a review of the convenience market and discussions with store colleagues and customers, we have decided to offer a wider range of snacking choices at the checkout in our convenience stores in line with customer expectations.”

They added: “We are committed to ensuring that the range of products offered at this location will not include any confectionery directly aimed at children via its packaging or marketing.

"We will also ensure that there will always be a choice of healthier options, including fresh fruit and 100% fruit bars.

“We will continue to develop the range of products on offer and will be guided by our customers on this issue.”

Mr Hallam said that he would continue to monitor the situation carefully and would be interested to hear whether parents thought the ban at checkouts was helpful.

I thought supermarkets had already done this? - I rarely visit them so can't be sure.

I thought supermarkets had already done this?

Not the last time I looked, just a few days ago.

Thanks