Bill limiting placement of sweets at grocery checkout counters is partial response to what Adatto, Danon call obesity epidemic.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
If MKs Danny Danon and Rachel Adatto get their way, sweets will not be displayed at checkout counters in grocery stores and supermarkets.Danon, who is chairman of the child’s health lobby, and Adatto, who is chairwoman of the health lobby, said the epidemic of obesity – even among children – is spreading rapidly and endangers their health.Displaying candy and other junk food near cash registers takes advantage of young children’s impulsive nature, Adatto, a gynecologist, said.Danon said that packages of sweets are intentionally made very colorful and covered with images of children’s media stars, constituting a “sugar bomb” full of temptation. This leaves parents no choice but to calm children down and buy them the treats to avert a tantrum, he added.The bill is aimed at encouraging adults and children to consume more healthful snacks made from natural, nutritious ingredients rather than junk food.The two MKs decided to initiate the bill in time for the opening the Israeli Forum for a Healthy Lifestyle, to be launched Tuesday in Ashdod.A municipal model for “A City that Decided to Be Healthy” will be unveiled in Ashdod, which has been chosen as a pilot site for the project.