‘Schools profit by pushing unhealthy snacks on students’

CASH-STRAPPED secondary schools are exploiting their own pupils by installing machines stuffed with fatty snacks in order to help fund teaching, a TD yesterday warned.

Fine Gael deputy Denis Naughten made the claim as the crisp industry defended the contents of their products before the Oireachtas Agriculture and Food Committee.

Mr Naughten said it was wrong for schools to “push” crisps and chocolates high in fat and salt at children through vending machines.

“The companies making these snacks are in business to make money, so healthy, perishable foods are not a priority. I would like to see these machines banned. They are pushing unhealthy foods and drinks at children and schools should not be used as a commercial operation.

“There is information from studies in the US that these type of machines contain up to 85% unhealthy products. We should be funding schools properly so they do not have to exploit their pupils in this way,” Mr Naughten said.

Labour TD and committee member Mary Upton also questioned why crisp manufacturers used sporting heroes like Gary Lineker in advertising which linked the products with healthy activities in the minds of young people.

Francis Lyons of the Snack Food Council, which represents manufacturers like Tayto and Walkers, told the committee that taken in moderation crisps could form part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

He said one slice of bread contained as much salt as a 25g packet of savoury snacks.