"The Campaign for Better Hospital Food is concerned that the Government’s plans to tackle childhood obesity, published today in the obesity plan, are underwhelming at best."
"We need decisive action to call a halt to the tens of thousands of children ending up in hospital due to the effects of junk food – obesity, early-onset diabetes and tooth extraction under general anaesthetic among the most distressing. Yet most hospital shops, cafes and vending machines are stocked full of sugary drinks, chocolate, and other fatty and sugary snacks that contribute to these illnesses. The Government must bring in tough legal standards for all food sold on hospital premises, such as are already in place in Scotland and Ireland, to ensure that our hospitals are genuinely committed to improving our national health.”
“We have seen some real improvements to hospital food made by NHS England, innovators such as the Food for Life Catering Mark and leading hospitals, so it is a real shame that this progress is not supported in the Government’s Childhood Obesity Plan. This year, NHS England has set national CQUIN standards for food. This means that, for the first time, NHS England budget will be withheld from hospitals that fail to curb the promotion of sugary, fatty and salty foods on hospital premises. NHS England has also committed to trialling the sugary drinks levy in hospitals. This is the kind of leadership that should enjoy the full backing of Government policy. The Government could also have celebrated the excellent work of voluntary schemes such as the Food for Life Catering Mark in driving up fresh, healthy and locally sourced food standards in hospitals. There are good examples of progress to improve hospital food, but Government leadership is needed to cement these in national policy to protect children's health.”
Response to Government’s Childhood Obesity Plan from Campaign for Better Hospital Food coordinator Katherine Button. Contact: 0203 5596 777; email: katherine@sustainweb.org
Published Thursday 18 August 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
