UK’s Biggest Retailer Cutting Sweets

The UK’s largest retailer is cutting sweets from the checkout line in every one of its UK outlets by the end of the year. Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke said:

We all know how easy it is to be tempted by sugary snacks at the checkout, and we want to help our customers lead healthier lives. We’ve already removed billions of calories from our soft drinks, sandwiches and ready meal ranges…and we will continue to look for opportunities to take out more.

Tesco made its move after conducting customer research that showed two thirds of their customers agreed that it would be helpful for making better choices.

Parent advocate Katie O’Donovan praised the action, saying:

Popping into a shop with a small child in tow can sometimes feel like navigating an assault course. If you’ve made it to the checkout in one piece it can be really frustrating to then be faced with an unhealthy array of sweets designed to tempt your child.

The growing movement in the UK to move sugary foods out of prime impulse purchase zones within the retail environment is gathering steam. Marks & Spencer, Lidl, and Sainsbury’s have all taken similar initiatives.

This action reminds us of the bold action by CVS to remove tobacco from all of its stores earlier this year. Here’s another opportunity to harness market forces for better health.

Click here to read more from the BBC.

Tesco, photograph © Gordon Joly / flickr

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