Obesity plan puts onus on supermarkets to promote healthy food

Obesity plan puts onus on supermarkets to promote healthy food Jacqui WiseA new healthy food standard will force supermarkets and food manufacturers to encourage people to make healthier food choices, the government has said.The move, which will be introduced as part of the government's 10 year health plan, aims to make the average shopping basket of food slightly healthier.Businesses will be given the freedom to decide how to meet the standard by reformulating products, changing store layouts, offering discounts on healthy foods, or changing loyalty schemes to promote healthier foods.But the standard will apply only to large retailers, not smaller convenience stores or takeaway outlets.And it is not yet clear what penalties there will be on businesses that fail to produce significant changes in consumer behaviour.