Health authorities in Gwynedd have made a firm demand for a proposed new chip shop in Morfa Bychan to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in its menu to be approved. The Betsi Cadwaladr health board insists that the establishment should offer options that are lower in fat, salt, and sugar, and provide fresh and affordable healthy alternatives. This move aims to address the high obesity rates in Gwynedd, which exceed the national average.
The health board is closely reviewing the potential impact of the new takeaway in Morfa Bychan, near Porthmadog, emphasising that the area already has an abundance of fast-food outlets. Suggestions include stocking fewer sugary drinks and promoting the availability of tap water for refills. The vision presented by the health board envisions a scenario where traditional fast food like chips might be served alongside items like kale, and fish could be accompanied by watercress. Beverages like kombucha, coconut water, or pomegranate juice could be recommended over sugary sodas.
The proposed chip shop is slated to open just two doors down from an existing fish and chip shop and would add to the six other restaurants and takeaways already within a 0.7-mile radius, known for serving products high in fat and sugar. The health board’s objections stem from concerns about the impact on local residents’ well-being, particularly given the high concentration of food outlets in the area. The health board pointed out that the local ward ranks high for deprivation and highlighted worrying statistics on childhood and adult obesity rates in Gwynedd.
To combat the rising obesity crisis, health authorities advocate for small changes to the takeaway menu to encourage healthier eating habits. Public Health Wales estimates the cost of obesity to the NHS in Wales and asserts that healthier options and dietary preferences should be emphasized. In a recent development, fast-food chains have challenged planning policies regarding new takeaways, resulting in significant shifts in planning decisions.
A spokesperson from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board highlighted the significance of responding to planning applications with public health implications and reiterated the need for a balanced approach to food offerings. The contentious proposal for the new chip shop is currently under scrutiny, with the health board’s concerns regarding the food environment and its impact on residents at the forefront of the discussion.