The Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) has criticised retailers for selling Easter eggs as early as January, arguing that the practice tempts parents into buying unhealthy treats for their children. In a survey of 2,000 UK adults, two-thirds said holidays are overused to promote unhealthy food, and a third admitted it made them eat less healthily.
More than half of parents reported that their child had been tempted by an Easter treat near checkouts, and half of all respondents said they had already bought and eaten at least one chocolate Easter egg or cake this year. A 256g Cadbury's chocolate egg contains around 1,375 calories—over half the recommended daily intake for women.
Shirley Cramer, chief executive of the RSPH, said: 'We recognise that special occasions such as Easter are a time for indulgence and treats. However, it is clear that many shops and supermarkets are pushing products way too early.' She urged retailers to change their marketing strategies to help tackle the obesity epidemic.
Andrew Opie of the British Retail Consortium defended the practice, stating that most Easter egg purchases occur in the week before Easter, but retailers cater to early demand as well. With one in four adults and one in five 10- to 11-year-olds classified as obese in the UK, the RSPH calls for stricter controls on checkout displays of unhealthy products.
