Paris - Amid growing concern over obesity in children, all vending machines that sell sweets and soft drinks in French schools are to be banned under a public health law voted through by parliament on Friday.
The estimated 8 000 machines in middle and secondary schools must be removed by the start of the academic year in September 2005, despite opposition from the food industry as well as from some teachers who say they perform a useful social function.
French health officials have warned that obesity has increased by 17 percent in 20 years to the point where one child in 10 is overweight.
A recent report by the health and education ministries said that 20 percent of 10-11 year-olds are afflicted.