NHS England has set a 250 calorie limit on confectionery sold in hospital canteens, stores, vending machines and its other outlets.
Hospital chiefs will have to ensure that four out of five items purchased on their premises do not exceed the limit, which is an eighth of a woman’s and a tenth’s of a man’s recommended daily intake.
Unhealthy sandwiches and drinks are also being targeted as the NHS, Europe’s largest employer, takes a lead in tackling the availability of unhealthy food and drinks that are fuelling an obesity crisis.
Public Health England (PHE) recommended chocolate should contain 43.7g of sugar per 100g by 2020 in voluntary health guidelines published this year in a bid to cut sugar by at least 20% by 2020.