England hospitals to ban 'super-sized' chocolate bars

London, Oct 16: The National Health Services (NHS) England will ban "super-sized" chocolate bars from hospital shops, canteens and vending machines to curb an escalating obesity epidemic, the media reported on Monday.

Sweets and chocolate sold in hospitals should be 250 calories or under, the BBC quoted the health body as saying.

Pre-packed savoury meals and sandwiches must also contain no more than 5g of saturated fat per 100g, it added.

NHS staff are also being targeted as part of the move to tackle unhealthy eating, including those on overnight shifts.

Public Health England says hospitals have an "important role" in addressing obesity and not just dealing with the consequences.

In April, NHS England said it would ban sugary drinks if hospital outlets did not cut down on the number they sell.