Pretoria - The Department of Health has commended Woolworths for its decision to remove all sweets and chocolates from checkout queues.
The department noted that Woolworths’ decision is in line with the national Department of Health to fight obesity and provide healthier choices for customers.
“One of the goals of the National Strategy for the Prevention and Control of obesity is to create an enabling environment that support availability and accessibility to healthy food choices in various settings,” said the department.
The department also noted that Woolworths has also gradually reduced the salt content used in making over 100 of its own-brand products, which has resulted in a dramatic reduction of 35.2 tons of salt.
Overweight and obesity is becoming an alarming health hazard in South Africa. Recent studies have shown that obesity and overweight are not limited to the adult South African population.
“The prevalence of overweight among children is increasing worldwide. In 2012, SANHANES indicated an increase from 10.6% to 18.1% in the age group 2-5 years. Moves towards reducing sugar and salt content in foodstuffs by food manufacturing industry are encouraged.”
The department has urged all retailers to emulate Woolworth's example to remove all sweets and chocolates from checkout queues. It also appeals to society to engage in physical activity and adopt healthy lifestyle practices.
“A sedentary lifestyle leads to a person burning less kilojoules than what is consumed. More kilojoules are burned through physical activity and routine daily activities. A diet lacking fruits and vegetable, which is high in sugar, fat and oversized portions contributes to weight gain,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
