I read with interest your recent panel discussion article on junk food, and whether the health and fitness sector should stop serving this in its facilities (see HCM Sept 16, p68).
I believe the article polarises the issue in question and it doesn’t, sadly, seem that strange that – when government can’t even make a coherent decision – we as a sector have differing approaches that may compromise our moral beliefs with the harsher practicalities of life.
I applaud Sheffield International Ventures (SIV) in its new initiative – the imposition of a sugar tax in its centres, and the re-investment into obesity and diabetes prevention programmes of any profits arising from this tax. However, I would be surprised if the 20 pence levy actually changes habits. Time will tell. I suspect SIV will have to deal with some disgruntled customers.
While it may seem blindingly obvious that we should simply remove junk food options from our catering and vending offer, I recognise loud and clear the view expressed by MyActive’s Craig Senior: that today’s customers demand choice.
I recently visited a hospital that will remain nameless, but it had a Burger King franchise in the foyer, leaving me also sympathising with Tempus Leisure’s Gareth Dix (also in the panel discussion) in believing that only concerted, joined-up action across the wider public health arena will lead to real change.
It will be interesting to hear the outcome of SIV’s stance: I hope a positive message comes from it where others can follow. However, I fear that as individual operators we may find ourselves in a dilemma: ‘Damned if we do, yet damned if we don’t.’