Sharp decline in the sales of sugary snacks

Ongoing NHS England action to dramatically cut the sale of sugar-filled snacks and drinks is helping contribute to a sharp decline in their sales.

With NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens having warned NHS trusts last year over the sales of high-sugar content on hospital premises, or face a ban, the healthcare body has revealed that 152 of 232 NHS trusts have signed up to the scheme to reduce sales of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs). Furthermore, hospital staff, patients and visitors have consumed 632 million fewer calories over the last year.

Although complete data is yet to be published, it has been reported that a large hospital retailer removed advertising and promotions on NHS estates and has sold over 1.1 million fewer single chocolate bars in the last year, and removed 23 per cent large bars of chocolate. NHS England also claims that an additional 175,000 pieces of fruit have been sold in hospital stores, while retailers including Royal Voluntary Services, WH Smith and M&S are running a healthy meal deal exclusively in hospitals, with no sandwiches over 400 calories and no unhealthy snacks.

Stevens said: “We now know that obesity causes 13 different types of cancer as well as heart attacks and strokes, so the NHS has needed to get its own house in order on the epidemic of flab. Once the Easter eggs are gone, the NHS will be getting on with ensuring our hospitals and their retailers are offering healthier food and drinks for patients, relatives and staff.”