London continues the fight against childhood obesity. No fast food near schools

11 Gen 2018, 16:35 | a cura di

Childrenโ€™s diets are a hot subject, an ever-increasing battleground for nutritionists, doctors, chefs and other professionals defending childrenโ€™s welfare. Here's what's happening in the United Kingdom.

In England, particularly in London, children may soon be discouraged from consuming junk food during their lunch break. Londonโ€™s mayor, Sadiq Khan, according to an Evening Standard report, announced he wants to prohibit the opening of all new fast food restaurants within 400 meters of schools. With over 40% of its children overweight, London holds the national record for childhood obesity. Unless resolved quickly, Khan describes the situation as a โ€˜time bombโ€™.

The new no-burger zone doesnโ€™t contemplate closing the fast food purveyors already operating in the areas, but forbids the opening of new ones. The project, although studied intelligently and sensitively, has understandably met with hostility from all fast food chains. According to a map drawn by analyst Dan Cookson, if the rule were applied, very few spaces in the city would be available for new fast food venues.

Despite the issues raised, the mayor seems determined to go forward with this approach and continue his battle against childhood obesity. He doesnโ€™t want it to be seen as a threat to fast food businesses, though. โ€œTakeaway restaurants are a fundamental part of London life,โ€ Khan commented, โ€œbut it is important that they donโ€™t encourage our children to make the wrong food choices.โ€

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