Vending machines in Government buildings will cease to contain unhealthy foods under a new initiative announced today.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome said: “Overweight and obesity present major risks to health. The associated consequences can range from increased risk of premature death, to serious chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and certain forms of cancer.

“These are among Bermuda’s biggest killers and they come with a terrible cost to the health system and to families.”

In Bermuda nearly two in three adults are overweight or obese and a quarter of children and adolescents are overweight.

Mr. Bascome added: “It is widely acknowledged that the rate of obesity in children is making this generation the first to be at risk of a lower life expectancy than their parents.

“The extent of the problem has made this a major public health challenge for Bermuda, and we are addressing it as a matter of urgency.”

To support the Healthy Weight Action Plan of the National Health Promotion Strategy, Well Bermuda, the Government is introducing a vending machine policy to make the content of vending machines healthier.

The policy will require that all food and beverages in vending machines on government premises must contain no more than the following amount per serving of each of these nutrients:

* 5g of total fat

* 1g of saturated fat

* Zero trans fat

* 200mg sodium, and

* 7g sugar

These are the maximum thresholds permitted to ensure that foods are not unhealthy. The criteria excludes nuts, fruit and 100 percent fruit juices, as these foods are of high nutrient value, despite their natural fat and sugar content.

Government said the main suppliers of vending machines have been contacted about this new policy and were in agreement with the goal.

The Head of the Civil Service, Major Kenneth Dill said: “It is imperative to highlight that this move does not aim to prevent people from exercising free choice. People may still purchase their favourite snacks from any local shop.

“However, this move by the Government is intended to support the need to combat the current obesogenic environment prevalent in Bermuda, by actively making healthier options more easily available to government employees and the public we serve.”

* Have you got an unhealthy vending machine that needs changing? Tell us: email news@royalgazette.bm