Sales of sugary drinks to be limited in hospital shops in England

NHS England has outlined new plans that will limit the number of unhealthy sugary drinks sold in hospital shops from 2018 onwards.

It has been confirmed that sugary drinks will be banned on hospital premises from next year, unless suppliers voluntarily take decisive action to cut sales of these products over the next 12 months.

A number of leading retailers – including WH Smith, Marks and Spencer, Greggs, Subway, Medirest, ISS and the Royal Voluntary Service – have consequently agreed to cut sales of sugary drinks to ten percent or less of their total drinks sales within hospitals.

Additionally, by April 2018 it will be necessary for hospitals to ensure that 60 percent of confectionery and sweets they stock do not exceed 250 kcal, rising to 80 percent in 2018-19.

Meanwhile, 60 percent of pre-packed sandwiches and other meals will need to contain 400 kcal or less per serving, and less than five grams of saturated fat per 100g. This will increase to 75 per cent in 2018-19.

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said: "It's great that following discussion with NHS England, big-name retailers are agreeing to take decisive action, which helps send a powerful message to the public and NHS staff about the link between sugar and obesity, diabetes and tooth decay."

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