Wales decide to ban junk food in vending machines in hospitals

16 April 2008

Crisps, chocolate and sugary drinks are to be removed from vending machines in NHS hospitals in Wales, in order to start tackling obesity and diet-related diseases. Most junk food will be removed from the machines in the next six months. Only one NHS hospital in Wales out of 130 will not have healthy vending in place by 2010.

The Welsh Assembly Government believes hospitals in particular should show best practice in providing health options and will be liaising with vending machine providers to find ways of introducing healthier food and drink.

This vending machine ban follows a report from a group set up last year and chaired by the chief nursing officer for Wales, to improve patients' food and drink. Similar work is being undertaken on vending machines both in schools and in leisure centres.

It also follows an announcement to improve oral health by giving children as young as three free toothbrushes, as well as lessons in how to use them.

For more information on this news item: please visit the BBC website.

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