Chef Jamie Oliver has praised the UK government's plan to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16, calling it a victory for the Mirror's Can It! campaign. The ban, proposed by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, is part of a broader strategy to tackle childhood obesity, which also includes a 9pm watershed on junk food adverts and mandatory calorie labelling on menus.
Oliver, 42, who campaigned alongside the Mirror for the ban, said: 'I really think this was driven by the strong support of the Mirror and its readers. These drinks are not fit for kids and are affecting not only them negatively but also classrooms around the country.' He added that the move would support teachers and help children learn.
The proposed ban targets caffeine- and sugar-laden drinks such as Red Bull, following figures showing that 25% of six- to nine-year-olds consume energy drinks. Hunt said he was 'appalled' by the statistics and stressed the need to help parents make healthier choices. 'The cost of obesity – on individual lives and our NHS – is too great to ignore,' he said.
Teachers have welcomed the proposals, with Louise Martin of Harris Academy in South Norwood, South London, noting that even children who do not consume these drinks have their learning disrupted by classmates experiencing caffeine and sugar highs. Caroline Cerny of the Obesity Health Alliance said the plans had 'real potential to ensure children in the UK will face the healthy future they deserve'.
The proposals, which also include banning sweets at checkouts and restricting buy-one-get-one-free offers on unhealthy foods, will be subject to consultation before a final decision.
