Britain unveils healthy-eating plan --- REUTERS

The Straits Times 3 Jan 2011, Monday

Britain unveils healthy-eating plan

LONDON - THE British government unveiled a 250 million pound (S$500 million) industry-financed plan to promote good eating on Sunday under which millions of people will receive vouchers offering discounts on healthy foods.

The coalition government is promoting the scheme as part of its Change4Life programme, aimed at combating Britain's high obesity rate by encouraging people to eat healthier food and exercise more.

But some experts have accused food manufacturers of using it to enhance their image.

Millions in England will get 50 pounds' worth of vouchers offering discounts on foods such as low-fat yogurts, wholegrain rice, frozen vegetables, fruit and alcohol-free lager.

The News of the World weekly, owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, will distribute three million books of vouchers; Asda, the British arm of US retailer Wal-Mart, will hand out a million; and community groups a further million.

The vouchers offer discounts on products from food companies including Kellogg, Unilever, Nestle, Mars, baker Warburtons and frozen food brand Bird's Eye as well as some Asda own-brand goods and trainers from sportswear retailer JJB Sports. -- REUTERS