BERKELEY — Berkeley may be the first city in the nation to pass a policy that will eliminate junk food and unhealthy items at grocery store checkout lines. Grocery stores larger than 2,500 square feet will no longer be allowed to sell unhealthy food and beverages at the checkout line, and instead will be encouraged to offer more nutritious food and drink. Those in favor of the ordinance say the checkout lane often not only targets children with sugary, unhealthy offerings — but adults as well. Simone Dasilva, a nutritionist with Berkeley Youth Alternatives, weighed in during the city’s public comment portion of the meeting and said these unhealthy food choices could lead to diabetes and obesity. “By offering healthier options at checkout, stores will contribute to advancing public health and level the playing field for consumers during an already stressful time.

Source: Daily Nation September 23, 2020 23:48 UTC