NEWS RELEASE 1 April 2012
Easter eggs could be sold in plain packaging from next year.

Public health campaigners want all seasonal confectionary to be sold in
uniform beige packs which research has shown is the colour that is least
appealing to children and the obese.

Proposals being considered by the Government would remove all branding
and colourful packaging in an attempt to reduce indulgence levels.

Under the proposals, to be discussed in Parliament, no brand logos will
be permitted on any Easter egg although companies will be able to print
their name and the brand in small, standardised font on the box.

The packaging will also feature a stark health warning that will cover
75% of the front of the pack and 90% of the back. Graphic images will
feature double chins and belly fat.

Public health groups have welcomed the proposals. "If this legislation
stops one young person from picking up a shiny, glitzy Easter egg and
prevents them becoming addicted to chocolate then it will have been
worthwhile," said Candy Barr, chief executive officer for Action on
Eating and Health.

“We would also like Easter eggs to be sold behind closed doors in retail
outlets. At present they are on open display which is far too tempting
for customers.”

Campaigners say that a recent survey based on interviews with 13
children aged 8-15 showed that underage consumption has increased by
650% over the last five years.

“Binge eating of chocolate has been a problem for years,” said Barr.
“People, children especially, are particularly vulnerably to temptation
at Easter. If we are to tackle the obesity epidemic we have to do
something now.”

Hands Off Our Packs, which is campaigning against the plain packaging of
tobacco, said the proposal comes as no surprise.

Spokesman Angela Harbutt said, “Public health campaigners are always
looking for the next logical step. Tobacco and alcohol are being
threatened with plain packaging so it was inevitable that confectionary
would be targeted as well.

“The belief that government can impose a brand ban on every ‘unhealthy’
product is getting ridiculous. This time next year every item in the
shop could be behind closed doors or in plain, uniform packaging.”

ends
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Dave - The Medway Handyman www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

Also announced today, the Ikea product recall
http://www.thepoke.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/550846191.jpg

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Mike Clarke