Tesco has rejected several requests from MPs to help in the battle against child obesity, saying it had a duty to put its customers and shareholders ahead of healthy eating concerns.
MPs at the health select committee inquiry into obesity suggested that supermarket loyalty cards, such as Tesco's clubcard, could be used to identify customers who bought excessive amounts of foods, high in fat, sugar and salt. It was asked whether supermarkets could use this information to promote healthier alternatives to these customers.
However, David North, Tesco's director of government affairs hit back at such suggestions. He said that promoting healthier eating with cards would be inappropriate, warning it could alienate customers who might find it patronising or draconian.
Meanwhile, The British Retail Consortium's director of food policy Richard Ali said that obesity is an issue and the industry, as a whole, wants a healthy population.
Research has revealed that a number of barriers discourage people from eating a healthy diet. Ali said: “Our members play an active part in helping people overcome these barriers by providing a wide range of well-labelled convenient, attractive and accessible products.”
Ali believes retailers are convinced that the government has the major role to play in tackling obesity through developing educational campaigns that encourage consumers to appreciate the components of a healthy lifestyle. He said: “We stand ready to play our part in delivering this message. A long-term approach is needed, which is why we believe that the best way to help consumers to a healthier lifestyle is by education.”
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