Energy drinks ban for kids is a victory for Mirror readers
Jamie hails child obesity strategy
JAMIE Oliver thanked Mirror readers for getting behind the Can It! campaign after a plan to ban the sale of energy drinks to kids was announced.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt included the ban in a raft of new proposals to cut childhood obesity, including a 9pm watershed on junk food adverts.
Jamie, 42, who has campaigned alongside us for a ban, said: “I really think this was driven by the strong support of the Mirror and its readers. These drinks are not fit for kids and are affecting not only them negatively but also classrooms around the country. This is a great move for better child health but also a great move to support our teachers to help kids learn. We need to keep supporting this in the consultation.” The ban on selling caffeine and sugarladen drinks, such as Red Bull, to under16s is included in Mr Hunt’s draft policy which aims to halve childhood obesity by 2030. Mr Hunt was appalled at figures showing energy drinks were being consumed by 25% of six to nineyear-olds. His proposals will be subject to consultation before a final decision. Mr Hunt said: “It is near impossible to shield children from exposure to unhealthy foods. Parents are asking for help. It’s our job to give them power to make healthier choices. The cost of obesity – on individual lives and our NHS – is too great to ignore.” His plans include mandatory calorie labelling on menus, the sale of sweets at checkouts will be banned and they will not be permitted in buy- one- get- one- free offers. Teachers, whose classes have been disrupted by pupils experiencing caffeine and sugar highs, welcomed his energy drink proposals.
Louise Martin, of Harris Academy in South Norwood, South London, said: “Even if your own child doesn’t drink them or buy them, I can guarantee that their learning is being disrupted if their classmates are caught in the cycle of unnatural boosts the drinks provide.”
Caroline Cerny, of the Obesity Health Alliance, said Mr Hunt’s plans had “real potential to ensure children in the UK will face the healthy future they deserve”.