OPC congratulates NSW Govt for healthy
food and drink policy
The
Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) has applauded the NSW Government for committing
to remove all sugary drinks and boost healthy food choices in its hospitals and
health services, in a change to take effect from December.
OPC Executive
Manager Jane Martin said sugary drinks and unhealthy food had no place in
hospitals or health services - and called on other state and territory
governments across Australia to follow NSW's lead.
"Sugary
drinks and other high-energy, nutrient-poor products are a major contributor to
Australia's obesity epidemic, but for decades they have been readily available
in our hospitals and health facilities. These services are designed to keep our
communities healthy - so it just doesn't make sense for them to sell junk in
their canteens," Ms Martin said.
"It's
fantastic to see NSW Health taking the
proactive step of removing all sugary drinks and introducing more healthy food
options in its vending machines, cafes and catering.
Ms
Martin said hospitals and health services were treating increasing numbers of
patients with weight and diet-related chronic diseases, such as type 2
diabetes, heart disease and cancers.
"Hospitals
and health services should be mirroring the healthy diets they encourage people
to follow in the food and drink they provide," Ms Martin said.
"Reducing
the availability of unhealthy food sends a clear message that these food and
drinks are unhealthy. It helps to make the healthy choice, the easy choice for
everyone.
"We've
seen impressive leadership in this area from services such as Melbourne's The
Alfred hospital, which has reduced sugary drinks sales by 36,500 a year by
increasing their price and putting them out of sight.
"We
congratulate the NSW Government and its commitment to the Premier's Priority to
Reduce Overweight and Obesity of Children by 5 per cent over 10 years. We
look forward to seeing further progress to achieve this target."