Stewart McKenzie, national chair of HCA, said: “The HCA welcomes the news that several drinks suppliers have pledged to cut sales of sugary drinks to 10% or less within hospitals over the coming year.
“It’s great to see initiative being introduced to help fight against obesity, diabetes and tooth decay across the county, with the NHS leading the way.”
The announcement to limit the sales of sugar drinks was made on Friday, April 21 and will also see NHS England introduce new initiatives, which includes ensuring 60% of confectionary and sweets stocked should not exceed 250 kcal by April 2018.
McKenzie said: “We hope more suppliers follow the likes of WHSmith, Marks and Spencer, Subway and Greggs and introduce measures voluntarily throughout the next 12 months, rather than having an outright band forced on them.”
The HCA, founded in 1948, aims to improve and develop the standards of catering in hospitals and healthcare establishments in the UK.