THE SNP children’s minister has been criticised for promoting a recipe containing an entire bag of sugar just days after the government announced a crackdown on sugary foods.
Maree Todd, the minister for children and young people, posted her tablet recipe on Twitter despite government plans to restrict the marketing of junk food in shops.
On Monday, public health care minister Joe FitzPatrick said urgent action was needed to tackle Scotland’s “stubbornly unhealthy” diet
“We have the highest overweight and obesity levels of any UK nation. This situation is unacceptable - not least because it’s largely avoidable,” he said.
A government plan said research showing Scottish children consumed more fat and sugar than adults was also “an alarming finding that indicate future health problems in store”.
It recommended curbs on the marketing of sweets and sugary drinks in stores.
Ms Todd’s recipe includes 2lbs of sugar, 4oz of butter and a can of condensed milk.
She recommended eating it while still warm, signing off her recipe with “Enjoy!”.
Her ministerial responsibilities include the care of children in their early years.
Ms Todd posted the recipe on social media after giving three batches of her tablet to a summer camp for young people with experience of being in care.
She also posted pictures of saucepans and trays brimming with the sugary mixture.
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A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: “Considering her position as the minister for childcare and early years, many parents would rather their children didn’t use a recipe that requires two pounds of sugar.
“It’s clear that when the SNP try to encourage healthy eating it’s do as I say not as I do.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The minister would of course advocate eating tablet only as an occasional treat, as part of a healthy and balanced diet.”
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