Airlines Accused of Contributing to Britain’s Child Obesity Epidemic with Sugar-Laden Inflight Meals

Airlines operating in Britain have come under fire for allegedly exacerbating the country’s child obesity crisis by serving inflight meals that contain excessive amounts of sugar. Concerned campaigners argue that parents often have no choice but to rely on the food provided during flights, especially on long-haul journeys where packing meals is impractical. Investigations conducted by the Mail newspaper revealed that airlines such as easyJet, Jet 2, TUI, and British Airways offer children’s meals with sugar content equivalent to two to three days’ worth of consumption.

The Mail investigation uncovered that popular children’s snack boxes sold by easyJet and Jet 2 contained a staggering 35.3 grams of sugar, which is nearly double the recommended daily intake for children. These boxes contained items such as Mini Cheddars, Strawberry and Apple Fruit Paws, a Dairy Milk Little Bar, Jammie Dodgers, and a Sunny Raisin box, totaling around 13 teaspoons of sugar. The inclusion of a soft drink option raised the sugar content to a concerning 62.4 grams, equivalent to approximately 15.6 teaspoons.

British Airways’ Kids Safari Snack Box, priced at £6.95, included mini Oreos, Ribena blackcurrant juice, Naturelly Summer Fruits Juicy Jelly, breadsticks, and cheddar cheese spread. This combination contributed 16 grams of sugar, or approximately four teaspoons, nearing the daily recommended limit for children aged four to six.

TUI, a package holiday and flight specialist, offered generic meal options rather than a dedicated children’s choice. A typical “Drink and Snack meal deal” costing £6 contained items such as a Fruit Shoot drink, a 40-gram pack of Sour Cream and Onion Pringles, a Toy Box Choc, and a 100-gram pack of Haribo Travel Parade sweets, totaling a significant 28 grams of sugar or seven teaspoons.

These findings come at a time when NHS statistics reveal an alarming increase in young children being treated for health conditions associated with obesity, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and knee-joint problems. More than 20% of children are overweight or obese when they start primary school, with the number rising to nearly 40% by the time they transition to secondary school.

Nutritionists and campaigners argue that airlines should be held accountable for their contribution to the child obesity epidemic. They emphasize the need for alternative options that are low in sugar to be offered in place of these high-sugar products. Zoe Davies, a nutritionist at Action on Sugar, asserts that there are numerous healthier choices available, leaving no excuse for airlines to continue serving meals with excessive sugar content.

A spokesperson for easyJet stated that all their products provide nutritional information, allowing customers to make informed choices regarding their food and beverage selections.

The issue of inflight meals containing excessive sugar levels has raised concerns about the role airlines play in Britain’s child obesity crisis. Campaigners are calling for increased accountability and the provision of healthier food options to protect children’s health. By addressing these concerns and offering more nutritious alternatives, airlines can contribute positively to combating the child obesity epidemic.

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