FSA plans to cut fat, salt and sugar in children's food

Family pubs could be forced to put detailed nutritional information on their children's menus under new proposals to tackle the increasing problem of obesity.

The government's watchdog the Food Standards Agency has announced wide-reaching proposals to help fight obesity in children which is becoming an increasing problem.

It has drawn up an action plan, involving interested parties including food manufacturers, schools and celebrities.

Food manufacturers will be urged to reduce the amounts of fat, salt and sugar in products aimed at children.

And guidelines will be drawn up on the labelling of products so customers can easily identify which products are healthier options. Extending the guidelines to cover menus could also be a possibility.

"Children are bombarded with messages that promote food high in fat, salt and sugar. Eating too much of these foods is storing up health problems for the future," said the FSA's chairman Sir John Krebs.

Food manufacturers will be monitored closely to make sure they are taking notice of the FSA's guidelines and consumers will be told which companies are doing the most to cut fat, sugar and salt.

Meanwhile, food-led pubco Geronimo Inns is working with breast cancer charity the Haven Trust to create healthy pub grub.

The Haven Trust's team of expert nutritionists is working with chefs from Geronimo to create the Haven Dish (pictured)​.

A new Haven Dish will be created weekly and will be available in all 16 Geronimo pubs across London. For each Haven Dish eaten, Geronimo will donate £1 to the Haven Trust.