A Foyle MLA says that the Health Minister must ensure efforts to promote healthier eating must not place additional financial burdens on families.
Mark H Durkan calls for ‘more carrot and less stick’ in the pursuit of achieving greater access to more nutritious and healthier food, particularly for children.
The SDLP MLA’s comments come as the Department of Health consults on proposed restrictions on the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar and salt.
Similar measures are already in place in England and Wales, while restrictions are due to be introduced in Scotland from October.
Mr Durkan says that while there is a need to improve access to healthier food, many families are already struggling to make ends meet.
He says the Executive should make tackling child poverty and food insecurity a priority, but argues that this should not come at the expense of making the weekly shop more expensive.
Instead, he is calling for a universal school meals programme.
Mr Durkan is urging the Executive to ring-fence revenue from the Sugar Tax to help tackle and prevent health conditions linked to poor diet, including obesity.
