Greggs, Medirest and Subway are among the suppliers who have pledged to cut sales of sugary drinks to 10% or less within hospitals over the coming year.
NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens, said: “A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down but spoonfuls of added sugar day-in, day-out mean serious health problems.
“It’s great that following discussions with NHS England, big name retailers are agreeing to take decisive action, which helps send a powerful message to the public and NHS staff about the link between sugar and obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.”
NHS England has also introduced new national incentives for hospitals and NHS providers to improve food on their premises.
By April 2018, 60% of confectionary and sweets stocked in hospital shops must not exceed 250 calories, rising to 80% in 2018/19 and 60% of pre-packed sandwiches and other savoury pre-packed meals must contain 400 calories or less per serving and must not exceed five grams of saturated fat per 100g.
Katherine Button, Campaign for Better Hospital Food coordinator, said: “The Campaign for Better Hospital Food, an alliance of food, health, patient and NHS staff groups, welcomes this latest move to limit junk food and sugary drinks sales in hospitals.
“NHS hospitals are trusted by patients, families and staff to keep them fit and well and NHS England is helping everyone to take a big healthy step in the right direction.”