Australia bans chocolate in schools

Australia has banned chocolate and doughnut sales in government schools under its new guidelines for the Australia Capital Territory, taking its lead from other areas of the country. The government recently banned school sales of soft drinks beginning in 2007. New initiatives include attempting to ensure that schools offer fruit daily and reduce confection and cake sales. About 30% of Australian children were said to have been overweight or obese in 2005, compared with about 10% in 1985. That figure is expected to rise to 50% by 2025.