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** 21 January 2025
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** UK
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** MP calls for fast food reform through taxation to combat obesity (#1)
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** Councils call for stronger national support to tackle childhood obesity (#2)
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** Dudley shop workers sentenced for selling illicit tobacco in large-scale operation (#3)
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** UK
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** MP calls for fast food reform through taxation to combat obesity

On Monday, Dr Simon Opher, MP for Stroud, led a debate on the impact of unhealthy food on obesity. In the debate, Opher proposed tougher measures to tackle the rising obesity crisis, including a tax on foods high in salt and sugar. The MP, who is also a practising GP, argues that unhealthy food’s affordability and convenience disproportionately affect working families, encouraging poor dietary habits. Building on the government’s upcoming ban on junk food advertising to children before 9 pm, the MP advocates for mandatory food industry reforms, similar to the successful sugar tax on soft drinks. Revenue from the proposed tax could be used to make healthier food options more affordable for low-income households.

Local initiatives are already demonstrating the benefits of grassroots action to promote healthier living. Advocates emphasise the importance of accessibility and education in addressing obesity, which is often more prevalent in areas of economic hardship.

Source: BBC news, 21 January 2025

See also: Hansard – General debate on the impact of food and diet on obesity transcript ([link removed])
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** Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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** Councils call for stronger national support to tackle childhood obesity

Gateshead Council’s decade-long effort to curb childhood obesity through a ban on new hot food takeaways has had limited success, highlighting the challenges local authorities face in addressing complex health issues. Despite initial reductions in obesity rates in areas with high takeaway densities, borough-wide figures have seen minimal change, partly due to the rise of unregulated "dark kitchens" offering delivery-only services. Researchers and public health experts argue that evolving food environments outpace local policies, creating loopholes that undermine such initiatives.

While councils have used planning powers and supported campaigns to limit junk food marketing, experts and officials emphasise the need for national-level measures. They suggest broader restrictions on advertising ultra-processed foods and systemic approaches to healthier food access. The government has pledged stronger powers for local authorities and plans to ban junk food advertising on TV and online, but critics argue that coordinated, large-scale action is crucial to achieving lasting change.

Source: BBC news, 19 January 2025
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** Dudley shop workers sentenced for selling illicit tobacco in large-scale operation

Five men have been implicated in a long-running operation involving counterfeit and smuggled tobacco products at a Dudley High Street store. Investigators discovered significant quantities of illicit tobacco products, hidden in sophisticated secret compartments and ceiling voids in their shop. These goods were sold below market prices, contributing to over £400,000 in illegal sales over two years.

The operation involved extensive planning, with modifications to the shop’s infrastructure to conceal the contraband. Trading Standards officers conducted multiple raids, seizing thousands of illegal cigarettes and tobacco products. While one of the men faced immediate imprisonment due to having prior convictions for similar offences, other members of the group received suspended sentences or are awaiting sentencing. Local authorities have highlighted the case as a warning to deter illegal trade and protect consumers and legitimate businesses.

Source: Dudley News, 20 January 2025
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.

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