NHS bosses demand new fish ‘n’ chip shop sell healthy fruit and vegetables if it wants to open

NHS bosses have demanded a proposed fish and chip shop sell a ‘good selection’ of fruit and vegetables if they want to open their doors to punters. 

A takeaway hoping to open in Morfa Bychan, Gwynedd, has been met with objections from the local health board who want less sugar, fat, and salt on the menu. 

Betsi Calwaladr health board is concerned more fast food branches in the area could be ‘detrimental’ to health of residents, the BBC reports. 

Noting that the location was a prime location for holidaymakers, the board complained the food was being pushed to meet the needs of tourists and not locals.

The health board also claimed that if more unhealthy food was readily available, it would increase the chances of people becoming overweight. 

Betsi Calwaladr health board have demanded a proposed fish and chip shop sell a ‘good selection’ of fruit and vegetables if they want to open their doors (stock image)

Porthmadog town council have also chipped in on objecting to the proposed plans, noting there was already a chip shop in Morfa Bychan (Pictured: A different chip shop already in the area)

They told the publication: ‘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,’ it said in a document seen by the BBC.

‘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 have also raised objections against the proposed fish and chip shop, branding the scheme as an ‘over-development’ whilst raising concerns there were ‘too many businesses in a small area.’

They also feared the proposed plans would spark parking and traffic chaos, pointing out there was already a fish and chip shop in the general area. 

The company originally submitted the application to change the use of the empty building in August.  

Public Health Wales roughly calculated obesity cost the Welsh NHS £73m, which is predicted to soar to £465m 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.’

MailOnline has approached Gwynedd Council and Porthmadog Town Council for comment 

Fears of traffic and parking chaos as well as the ‘detrimental impact’ to the health of locals was also raised by the bodies when assessing the proposed fish and chip shop (Stock image)

This comes after KFC thwarted council attempts to fight rising obesity by challenging their bids to prevent takeaways being opened near schools, officials have claimed, after it was revealed in 2023 the health crisis was costing the UK £100billion per year.

The fast food giant succeeded in having the policies stopped completely or significantly watered down in 24 of 43 council areas it challenged, the Times reports.

Since 2017, 16 councils have abandoned the plans while a further eight have had to limit the extent of their powers, after the fast food giant responded to public consultations.

KFC argued in many cases that the policies had either not been through the proper channels or that there was not a strong enough link between childhood obesity and takeaways close to schools.