Call to dump lollies at supermarket checkouts

REMOVING chocolates from check-outs and making health foods cheaper are among five strategies that have been put forward to reduce Queensland’s alarming rate of childhood obesity.

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REMOVING chocolates from check-outs and making health foods cheaper are among five strategies that have been put forward to reduce Queensland’s alarming rate of childhood obesity.

Cancer Council Queensland spokeswoman Katie Clift said 28 per cent of Queensland children were obese or overweight. Ms Clift said supermarkets needed to “step up to the game” and give families better access to healthy foods.

“Childhood obesity in Queensland is the highest of any jurisdiction nationally,” Ms Clift said.

“For a start, we would like to see cheaper healthy foods, including fruit and vegetables, or an increase in weekly specials for families in our supermarkets.

“Easy to read front-of-pack labels should [also] be mandatory on all packaged products, making it easy for parents to choose the healthiest items during a busy shop.”

Other strategies include removing junk foods from eye level, changing store layouts and ensuring fruit and vegetables are fresh and in season.

Ms Clift said a survey to be released by the CCQ also indicated support for restrictions on junk food advertising and fast food outlets.

“Queenslanders believe restricting junk food advertising to children and increasing the price of junk food and soft drinks will encourage families to choose healthier options,” she said.

Aspley mum Amy said she tried to steer her young daughters  away from processed food.

She believes supermarkets need to do more to ensure unhealthy foods are out of sight at the cash register.

“When you’re at the register and there’s chocolate bars and things like that, they don’t so much ask for it, but (my daughters) will pick it up and want it,” she said. “I think if you want to buy a chocolate bar, you can go into the aisle and get it.”

“It doesn’t need to be there at the register.”

Originally published as Call to dump lollies at supermarket checkouts