The secret to selling us more junk food

TOM CURTIS HEALTH CORRESPONDENT
tcurtis@scotlandonsunday.com

CHILDREN should be encouraged to buy more sweets, crisps and chocolates by targeting them through their mobile phones, according to a snack industry ‘blueprint’ for increasing sales.

The detailed report on the lucrative "after-school snacking market" provides firms with detailed information on how to get their message to youngsters and protect profits in the face of a dwindling population and growing fears about obesity.

It contains controversial suggestions such as increasing the use of text messaging in snack promotions as a way of bypassing parents, and targeting poorer children aged seven to 10 on the grounds that they spend more on crisps and other treats.

Health groups last night expressed deep concern at the existence of the report, which follows last week’s revelation that one in 10 British six-year-olds is classed as obese.

Read full article: Scotland on Sunday