A new fish and chip shop in a UK town has been ordered to “sell fruit and veg” if they want to open.
The local health board in Morfa Bychan, Gwynedd, north Wales, has issued objections to a proposed takeaway over fears locals will become overweight.
The head of the Betsi Calwaladr health board wants the menu to have less sugar, fat and salt. They fear the number of fast food outlets will be detrimental to the health of locals.
The board has said the food is aimed at holidaymakers staying in the area rather than the local population.
It said in a document seen by the BBC: “This is of particular concern for local permanent residents where this food is available throughout the year and not just during holiday periods.
“Increased access to unhealthy food retail outlets can be associated with increased weight status in the general population and increased obesity and unhealthy eating behaviours among children residing in low-income areas.
“While we appreciate this is only one extra takeaway unit, this would still be one additional takeaway than what is currently available.”
Porthmadog Town Council has also raised concerns, saying it is an “overdevelopment” and that there are “too many businesses in a small area”.
They added fears that the second fish and chip shop in the area could cause parking and traffic chaos. The original application to use the empty building was first submitted in August.
Public Health Wales has calculated that obesity cost the Welsh NHS roughly £73million, with that figure expected to rise to £465million by 2050.
A spokesperson from Betsi Calwaladr Health Board said: “Our Public Health Team routinely responds to planning applications which are of public health significance from planning authorities. This includes food applications.”
