Tesco to no longer stock sweets at checkouts

Tesco stores around the country will no longer stock sweets and chocolates at checkouts from tomorrow.

The change will be fully implemented by the end of the year across all 146 stores.

Tesco Ireland chief executive Phil J Clarke said customers had "made it clear to us that removing sweets and chocolates from checkouts will help them to make healthier choices".

Obesity expert Dr Eva Orsmond said: "Irish supermarkets have a clear role to play in helping parents and shoppers to make healthier choices for their families".

Safefood Ireland chief executive Martin Higgins said: "We approached the chief executives of the leading food retailers earlier this year and asked them to support the many customers who are trying to make healthy choices when shopping.

“The move echoes the very practical messages we have been advocating in our childhood obesity campaign and is a powerful recognition of how ‘pester power’ and impulse-buying affects the food choices we make every day.”

Minister for Health James Reilly this morning welcomed the announcement saying he hoped it would be “the first step in a new commitment by our retail sector to help make the healthier choice the easier choice for people and their families.

“Obesity is a major challenge for our society and all sectors have a role to play in creating a healthier Ireland”, he added.