A health board has urged a new fish and chip shop to serve fruit and vegetables alongside its usual menu – in a bid to locals to try and be healthier.
Betsi Cadwaladr health board in north Wales has advised the proposed new chip shop in Morfa Bychan, Gwynedd, to make a menu that has ‘healthy alternatives that are fresh and affordable’ ahead of its opening.
They have also suggested that the new shop sells fewer soft drinks and instead provides access to tap water so that water bottles can be refilled.
The board said that the location is popular among tourists, and so local eateries are set up to meet the demands of tourists as opposed to locals.
They argued that greater access to junk food would lead to local people putting on weight.
This means chips could be served with kale and fish with watercress. Instead of fizzy drinks, perhaps kombucha, coconut water pomegranate juice may have to be on the menu.
In a planning application, the board said: ‘This is of particular concern for local permanent residents where this food is available throughout the year and not just during holiday periods.’
‘Increased access to unhealthy food retail outlets can be associated with increased weight status in the general population and increased obesity and unhealthy eating behaviours among children residing in low-income areas,’ it said.
‘While we appreciate this is only one extra takeaway unit, this would still be one additional takeaway than what is currently available.’
Porthmadog council has also voiced concerns about the proposed new takeaway, pointing out that there are already a number of businesses in the area, including another chip shop, and warned it could cause traffic and parking problems.
According to official figures, approximately 26% of adults in Wales are classified as obese.
However, the innovation charity Nesta says that the true figure is 34%, making Wales the UK’s most obese nation.
Betsi Cadwaladr health board noted that obesity levels in Gwynedd are already well above the national average.
Public Health Wales has estimated that the cost of obesity to the NHS in Wales is about £73m. The cost is expected to be as high as £465m by 2050.
A Betsi spokesperson said: ‘Our Public Health Team routinely responds to planning applications which are of public health significance from planning authorities. This includes food applications.’
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