Stores praised for tackling obesity

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The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said its members were delivering healthier choices and better information for customers.

It said the steps being taken were vital as predictions show that 60% of the population will be obese by 2050 if current trends continue.

On labelling, the report found that British retailers "lead Europe" in terms of how much nutritional information is put on packaging.

Price discounts on fruit and vegetables were praised for helping to promote healthy food.

The report also concluded that BRC members offered a wide selection of portion sizes and were keen to increase awareness of recommended amounts of different food products.

BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: "Achieving healthier diets is about more than targets, labelling rules or promotion bans. This catalogue of evidence shows businesses responding to customer demand and competing on their health credentials, bringing healthy eating initiatives to shoppers more effectively than the law ever could."

Asda, Boots, Burger King, The Co-operative Group, Iceland, Marks and Spencer, McDonald's, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose all took part in the British Retailing: A Commitment to Health report.

Mr Robertson added: "From reducing salt, fat and sugar to portion size options, promotions and on-pack labelling, BRC members are enabling healthier choices which are being taken up by customers."

Minister for Public Health Dawn Primarolo said: "Action by the BRC's members to help customers make healthier choices has been fantastic and I hope they continue to lead the way. Companies putting calorie content on their menus, promoting fruit and veg, and taking steps to cut the amount of salt, fat and sugar in their own brand products is encouraging."