NHS sugary drinks move adds to pressure on Government to ensure Sugar Tax passed on Tuesday

In response to the NHS anouncement on sugary drinks, Malcolm Clarke of the Children's Food Campaign, commented:

“With a clear target on reducing sugary drinks sales in hospitals and a specific sanction on retailers in place should that not be met, the NHS is living up to its public health leadership role.  But the NHS’s sugar reduction efforts, and those of health professionals, charities and parents across the country, could be hampered if the Government does not introduce a sugary drinks tax as planned.  The Prime Minister must ensure that the Soft Drinks Industry Levy continues to be part of the Finance Bill when it is debated in the Commons on Tuesday 25 April, and is passed into law before the dissolution of Parliament.”

Sustain also campaigns for better Hospital Food. Katherine Button, the Campaign for Better Hospital Food coordinator, said:
“We are delighted that NHS England has taken such decisive action to reduce the sale of sugary drinks in hospitals. Earlier this year, ourHealthy Hospital Food Brand League table showed that when NHS England sets clear targets, and companies are held to account, then hospital food retailers respond. The Campaign for Better Hospital Food welcomes this latest move to limit junk food and sugary drinks sales in hospitals. NHS hospitals are trusted by patients, families and staff to keep them fit and well and NHS England is helping everyone to take a big healthy step in the right direction.”