Andrew Carey
A BAN on fizzy drinks from vending machines in schools would be difficult to impose, according to Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan who believes that educating children at a younger age about healthy eating is “absolutely crucial”.
Her comments came in for some criticism by health experts who maintain that child obesity is now a major problem and called for better control over what is offered to children in school.
Schools themselves should take the lead in providing more healthy options, the Minister said this Monday when she launched a range of incentives to provide healthier and more affordable eating options for students at Limerick Institute of Technology on Monday.
Referring to a report from The Royal College of Physicians calling for a ban on fizzy drinks from vending machines and school shops, Minister O’Sullivan said: “I think education about healthy options, and providing healthy options is the best way to achieve results”.
“Changing the eating habits of students in secondary schools can be very difficult as they are formed in their early years and addressing the problem is one that is broader than just the Department of Education.
“I would be very concerned about the general pattern of unhealthy habits developing and I believe early intervention is absolutely crucial.
“The responsibility is right across Government and in society adopting a more healthy eating approach”, she said.
