Supermarkets in England ‘blatantly disregarding’ rules over where they place crisps, sweets and fizzy drinks

The survey found that about a quarter of the stores visited had put so-called less healthy foods in prominent areas. Photograph: Peter Jordan_F/Alamy

Some supermarkets are flouting “pester power” rules aimed at tackling childhood obesity, a report has found.

In a survey, Obesity Health Alliance (OHA) and Food Active found that about a quarter of the 25 stores they visited had put sweets, crisps, fizzy drinks or other so-called “less healthy” foods in prominent parts of the shop, such as close to checkouts or in end-of-aisle displays.