In a bid to curb the rising levels of obesity, all NHS hospitals in England have agreed upon cutting down the sale of sugary drinks at their premises. The sales of such drinks will be restricted to just ≤10% of their total drinks sales. The resolution has been accepted by all 227 trusts across England. 23 of the trusts and 2 retailers have decided to discontinue the sale of sugary drinks altogether.
Latest data suggest that the proportion of drinks with added sugar sold at NHS premises dropped for 7 consecutive months, ending at just 7.4% as of June 2018. This means that NHS canteens, shops and vending machines have been stripped of 30 million teaspoons of sugar. Additionally, NHS England is offering incentives to hospitals for limiting the sale of confectionary at canteens, stores, vending machines and other outlets within their premises.
Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England said: "Obesity and its associated dangers is a worrying challenge facing the NHS and so it is crucial, as we draw up a long-term plan for the future of the NHS that we take action where we can to avoid a long list of preventable problems in the years ahead."
