- A Welsh fish and chip shop must offer fruit and vegetables to open
- NHS Wales aims to reduce fat, salt, and sugar in fast-food outlets
- Obesity rates in Wales drive concerns over healthy food options in takeaways
A fish and chip shop in Wales cannot open unless fruit and vegetables are on the menu, NHS officials have said.
Based in Morfa Bychan, Gwynedd in North Wales, the chippy has been ordered by NHS chiefs to sell a selection of fruit and veg dishes on its menu.
In addition, NHS bosses have instructed them to reduce fat, salt and sugar content in the meals it will sell.
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According to the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, fast-food outlets such as fish and chip shops are contributing to the rising obesity rates in Wales, as well as the poor diet choices of children in the country.
NHS bosses in Wales said: “The takeaway should also provide customers with access to free tap water or ensure free water bottle refills to promote healthy wellbeing.”
Porthmadog Council has also raised concerns about the opening of the new fish and chip shop, with traffic and parking being its main worry.
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “The location of this site is not appropriate for this application due to the proliferation/concentration of existing hot food takeaways/restaurants selling predominantly food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar.”
Approximately 60% of people living in Wales are classed as overweight or obese, data has revealed.
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Additionally, more than a quarter of children aged four and five-years-old in Wales are living with obesity or overweight, according to figures.
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “Whilst we have outlined concerns in our response there are small changes and nudges that could be made to the menu that would encourage and provide healthier food and drink options.
“These healthier options would enable the proposed development to safely contribute to economic prosperity in the area, which independently helps to improve population health.”
