A few months ago I wrote about the hopes the French industry had for vending machines in schools as a way of increasing fresh produce consumption among the young.

Naturally, one would assume that everyone would think the initiative a good idea, especially considering machines are already in situ for the sale of chocolate bars and fizzy drinks. But it appears not everyone does.

Over the summer, the French parliament passed a bill banning vending machines in schools and colleges from next year. It does not seem to matter that doctors and dieticians say fresh produce consumption is good for your health. Nor that the all-powerful French food safety agency has been busy reminding everyone it was against sugary snacks in vending machines but totally in favour of fresh produce.

The fact is MPs want the machines kept well away from young hungry eyes and as soon as possible. Not even the French minister of health was prepared to put his weight behind the fresh produce cause in the debate.

And now it is too late. The bill has been passed into law and no-one can see a way forward to change the situation. Vending machines will disappear. The only hope now is to try and agree a different status for fruit-vending machines setting them apart from dispensers of confectionery and fizzy treats. But that is a government decision now.

The industry wants to continue to play an active role: Alliance Fraicheur a group of specialist wholesalers has already proposed machines that distribute fruit free of charge. Students would only need to use tokens. Now there’s food for thought for vending-machine operators.