Tesco are pulling sweets from checkout counters this year according to Tesco Ireland's head, Phil J Clarke.

Following from supermarket chain Lidl, who have also announced banning confectionary from the checkout earlier this year, Tesco Ireland and UK are following suit. Leading health commentators and food safety watchdogs have welcomed the move as a step towards reducing obesity by curbing children's sugary intake

Text of the UK's Press Release explaining the Tesco decision to remove sweets is below.

"Tesco has today announced, following new customer research, that it will become the first retailer in the UK to remove sweets and chocolates from checkouts across the full range of store formats.

The research found nearly two-thirds (65%) of customers said removing confectionery from checkouts would help them make healthier choices when shopping.
67% of parents told Tesco that having no confectionery near the checkout would help them make healthier choices for their children.
Tesco removed sweets and chocolates from checkouts at larger Tesco stores 20 years ago, but for the first time they will be removed from checkouts at all stores, including Tesco Metro and Express convenience stores.

The retailer has committed to remove all sweets and chocolates by the end of December 2014.
Tesco Chief Executive Philip Clarke said:
"We all know how easy it is to be tempted by sugary snacks at the checkout, and we want to help our customers lead healthier lives.
"We've already removed billions of calories from our soft drinks, sandwiches and ready meal ranges by changing the recipes to reduce their sugar, salt and fat content. And we will continue to look for opportunities to take out more.

We're doing this now because our customers have told us that removing sweets and chocolates from checkouts will help them make healthier choices."
Tesco was the first UK supermarket to remove sweets and chocolates from large stores, in 1994. Last year Tesco set out its ambition to use its scale for good, which included a commitment to help customers make healthier choices.

Tesco will be trialling a variety of healthier products at checkouts before implementing the full change across all stores at the end of the year."

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