The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7405 p709
17 June 2006

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Co-op Group to stop selling “diabetic food” products

The Co-operative Group has this week announced that it will no longer be stocking “diabetic foods” in its pharmacies or supermarkets.

Diabetes UK has welcomed the decision and is urging other retailers to follow suit. The charity has, in the past, called for the terms “diabetic food” and “suitable for diabetics” to be removed from food packaging because the products are often high in fat, contain other sweeteners such as fructose and are expensive without offering nutritional benefit.

A Co-op spokesman said that once the current products — which include diabetic chocolates, cordials and jams — have been sold they would not be restocked. “We have an opportunity to inform customers as to why the products are being removed. Pharmacy staff will be able to answer questions and give the best advice about healthy diet and lifestyle,” he said.