MPs are asking the government to put preventing obesity in future generations before the interests of the food and drink industry.

In a new report, the Committee urges Ministers to waste no time bringing in mandatory reporting and targets for supermarkets on healthy food sales, reinforced by penalties. It also proposes new planning policies be put in place to stop fast food outlets opening near schools.

On top of this, the report contains suggested improvements to the NHS’s existing Healthy Start scheme. Healthy Start cards are currently given to pregnant women and parents of young children on low income to buy fruits and vegetables.

Overall, MPs challenge the government to do more in the face of industry lobbying against restrictions, which has contributed to the failure of previous attempts to tackle obesity through food policy.

The report comes after the Committee’s food and weight management inquiry.