INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The ban will target food retailers with products deemed high in fat, salt or sugar such as McDonald'sLondon:
London plans to ban junk food advertising on its entire public transport network to tackle child obesity, which is among the highest in
Europe, Mayor Sadiq Kahn said on Friday.Almost 40 percent of children aged 10 and 11 in London are overweight or obese, according to
research compiled for Britain's parliament."Child obesity in London is a ticking timebomb and I am determined to act
If we don't take bold steps against it we are not doing right by our young people as well as placing a huge strain on our already
pressurised health service," Kahn said in a statement.The ban will target food retailers with products deemed high in fat, salt or sugar
such as McDonald's.McDonald's has long been fighting perceptions that it encourages children to eat unhealthily
lawsuit allowing it to continue including toys in Happy Meals.Food and beverages contribute large amounts to London'ts Transport revenueCoca
Cola and Pepsi - as part of the American Beverage Association - faced scrutiny during the same year following a U.S
campaign to bring awareness to the potential health concerns associated with sugar sweetened drinks.Food and drink advertising contributed
around 20 million pounds ($27 million) to Transport for London's revenue during the 2016-17 financial year.A spokesperson from the mayor's
office said :"About two thirds of this comes from high fat, salt and sugar, food and drink.The National Centre for Social Research and
Cancer Research UK found advertising of unhealthy foods - particularly when aimed at children - creates extra pressure on children and
families when it comes to choosing what to eat and drink."I want to reduce the influence and pressure that can be put on children and
families to make unhealthy choices," Kahn said
"I'm determined to do all I can to tackle this issue with the powers I have and help Londoners make healthy food choices for themselves and
their children."The plans are a key part of the mayor's draft London Food Strategy and echo initiatives that have been introduced in
Amsterdam this year.Khan said: "The government needs to step up and join this fight against child obesity."© Thomson Reuters 2018(Except
for the headline, this story has not been edited by TheIndianSubcontinent staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
