School caterers unfazed as French take fizz out of pop

A ban on vending machines selling fizzy drinks and crisps in schools in France has failed to put the frighteners on UK catering companies.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said that it was unlikely the UK Government would follow the French lead, but added that it was working towards introducing school vending machines offering healthier options.

The Government hopes that fizzy drink vending machines will be naturally phased out as healthy options gain popularity.

Contract caterer Sodexho, which holds several contracts in schools, said: "Sodexho believes a complete ban on vending machines is not necessary and would not stop children from going to the local high street to buy their sweets, snacks and drinks."

The company accepted that it had a responsibility to encourage children to adopt healthier diets, and had started to rebadge all its drinks machines to promote water and juices instead of carbonated drinks.