Expert calls for plain packaging on high-sugar foods targeted at children
Professor Donal O’Shea emphasised that obesity has become the leading cause of ill-health in society, and drastic measures are necessary to combat it
Print22 August 2024
High-sugar foods marketed to children should be treated like cigarettes and placed in plain packaging, according to Professor Donal O’Shea, HSE lead for Obesity.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Prof. O’Shea emphasised that obesity has become the leading cause of ill-health in society, and drastic measures are necessary to combat it.
Proposed legislation
He proposed legislation to remove branding and ensure these products are not displayed at children’s eye level, according to the CSNA.
Drawing parallels with tobacco control, he argued that plain packaging would diminish the appeal of these unhealthy foods to children.
Highlighting the effectiveness of branding, he referenced Coca-Cola’s successful ‘name on bottle’ campaign, stating such strategies would be impossible under plain packaging laws.
Childhood obesity, Prof. O’Shea warned, often leads to serious health issues in adulthood.
He called for action, noting that similar measures have already been implemented in Portugal and urging critics to offer viable alternatives.
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