France says 'non' to child obesity

PARIS -- France is fighting back against an alarming rise in childhood obesity, and candy distributors in public schools are among the first to come under attack.

After a series of often stormy parliamentary debates, a decision was reached to remove about 8,000 machines distributing chocolate, candy and sweet drinks in school recreation rooms.

The French media generally applauded the decision, the first significant effort to combat what some call "a new national scourge."

Protests by the National Association of Automated Sales (NAAS) were disregarded.

"The children will leave school buildings during breaks and buy their sweets outside," predicts Jean-Loup Bariller of the NAAS, which represents an estimated 13,000 employees throughout France.

"Bad eating habits start in childhood and are the parents' fault," Mr. Bariller say. "Our machines have been installed mainly in high schools and the average student uses them barely once a week.

"By banning our distributors, the politicians have cheaply appeased their consciences," he adds.

Whoever is at fault, Health Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy says he is deeply concerned. In the past 20 years, obesity among children in France has risen 17 percent. Today, one child in 10 is obese at age 10.

A recent study by the Health and Education Ministries found that 19 percent of children ages 10 and 11 are overweight.

Some nutritional experts blame the rise in obesity on changing behavior patterns. They say "American inventions" such as TV dinners and takeout food are replacing traditional French meals, now served mainly on weekends.

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