NHS app launches barcode scanner to help make healthier food choices

An newly introduced NHS app will enable families to make healthier food choices by scanning barcodes and suggesting more health-conscious alternatives.

The app will scan barcodes of selected shopping items and show alternatives with less saturated fat, sugar or salt.

Statistics from the National Child Measurement Programme showed that one in four (approximately 28 per cent) children of reception school age are overweight or obese, with this figure rising to four in 10 (41 per cent) among 10 to 11-year-olds.