Maree Todd

Calorie labelling on restaurant and takeaway menus could become mandatory under the proposals meant to help tackle obesity.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Obesity continues to be one of the biggest and most complex public health challenges. Addressing it remains a priority to create a Scotland where we eat well, have as healthy a weight as we can, and are more physically active.

“We know that by giving people more information, such as the number of calories in meals, empowers people to make healthier decisions when eating out, or ordering in. This plan proposes bold measures on how we can work with the food industry to create sustainable change to reduce harm to people’s health caused by poor diet and excess weight.

“It remains an unwelcome reality that communities experience health, quality of life and even life expectancy differently across our society and the current health emergency has further highlighted the damaging impact of inequality. The Out of Home Action Plan is a welcome step in working together with partners to reduce health inequalities and support people to live longer healthier lives everywhere in Scotland.”

Chief executive of Public Health Scotland Angela Leitch said: “We have a shared national ambition in Scotland to be a country where we eat well, have a healthy weight and are physically active.

“Local take away businesses, cafes, restaurants and others in the out of home sector continue to play an important role in supporting changes that will help improve our diet and in turn maintain a healthy weight.

“Public Health Scotland has been working with the sector, the Scottish government and Food Standards Scotland to identify changes that will support healthier eating. We welcome the publication of the Action Plan and will be working closely with our partners to support its implementation.”