Obesity experts want fast food banned from public transport
Fast food should be banned from buses and trains, to help „nudge” the public out of round-the-clock snacking, according to the Telegraph.
The need for these restrictions comes as an attempt to reset social norms amid warnings that „guzzling on the go” is contributing to Britain’s problem. Experts urged politicians to limit the availability of junk food on public transport, arguing that buses, trains and trams should ban fast food the same way they did with other health threats, such as smoking and alcohol.
Professor Jason Halford, from the European Association of Obesity, asked British politicians to create a ban that would help turn people away from a culture of endless snacking. He noted that other cities should take example from Manchester’s Metrolink tram system, which already has such restrictions.
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Prof Halford, head of the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Liverpool, said: “We eat all the time because there are eating opportunities all the time. When I was growing up in the 1970s food was far more restricted – the type of food was more restricted, and you had to prepare it.”
“Now, it’s ubiquitous, food is everywhere and the type of food that is most ubiquitous is unhealthy.”
Speaking at the European Congress on Obesity, he urged politicians of all parties to take action in order to solve this issue.
“The fact is its become normal to see people eating burgers on buses. I think it would be a great relief for the bus companies if that wasn’t the case, but it also sets a norm that we don’t consume all the time,” he said.
Experts also appealed to Governments and rail bosses to make changes to reduce the amount of junk food sold in stations.
Tam Fry, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, backed the idea. He said: “When I was growing up, my mother always taught me never to eat in public. It was the norm then. But somehow we have become used to the idea of snacking all the time, guzzling on the go, so that our buses and trains are reeking of burgers and the thought of going more than a few hours between meals is long forgotten.”
Dr Tim Lobstein, policy director for the World Obesity Federation, said: “There is something about the smell of a pastry on a train at night that is really nauseating.
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“I think a ban is probably a step too far – I would like to see signs saying ‘please refrain’ from eating smelly foods, I think that is useful. I think it’s a way to nudge rather than nanny.”
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