Junk Food at the Checkout

Health Concerns

Australia is in the midst of an obesity epidemic and increasing numbers of children are now overweight or obese. In 1985 approximately 10 per cent of Australian children were overweight or obese; this figure has risen to approximately 25 per cent in 2004. Experts estimate that by 2025 nearly half of all children will be overweight or obese¹.

There is no doubt that the impulse purchase of confectionery and snack foods at the checkout can add a large dose of additional calories, fat, sugar and sodium to daily intake. Excessive consumption of these empty nutrients contributes to expanding waistlines and increased risk of associated health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer.

In addition to contributing to the overweight and obesity problem, a high intake of sugar is also associated with increased dental cavities amongst both children and adults. The number of children being treated for dental cavities is rising and can be directly correlated with the increase in consumption of high sugar soft drinks and confectionery.

The high level of sodium contained in many junk food products sold at the checkouts is another serious health concern. On average, Australians are consuming twice as much sodium each day than recommended by government guidelines. Processed snack foods are often loaded with sodium and should be avoided.

Removing unhealthy snacks from the checkouts is just one small measure that socially responsible retailers can take to help address increasing public health concerns regarding the over-consumption of nutrient poor foods.