Schools and hospitals make snack decision

YOUR report headlined ‘Fitzgerald wants crisps and fizzy drinks hospital ban’ (February 25) purports to outline Fine Gael policy in relation to vending machines in Irish hospitals and schools and quotes a statement by Senator Frances Fitzgerald.

As far as the Snack Food Council of Ireland is aware, there are no vending machines in Irish primary schools. The council estimates that out of the 200 or so vending machines in second and third-level colleges nationwide, approximately one-quarter, or 50, stock savoury snack food products.

Our member companies — including Tayto Hunky Dorys Ltd, Walkers Snack Foods Ltd, Robt Roberts Ltd (KP) and Procter & Gamble (Pringles) — do not sell products directly to the companies operating vending machines in schools.