National Health Service (NHS) has banned the sale of high-energy drinks to under-16s in hospital retail units across Scotland to promote a healthy diet.

The ban will be applicable to all the drinks with an added caffeine content of more than 150mg per litre.

Scotland Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “The Healthcare Retail Standard supports healthier eating across the NHS estate and it is right that our hospitals show a lead in providing food and drink, which is health promoting.

“The HRS ensures that at least 50% of food and 70% of drinks on sale are healthier options. This supports the Scottish Government’s strategy of working to improve Scotland’s diet and tackle health inequalities.”

NHS noted that the new directive will be included as the Healthcare Retail Standard, a set of criteria that all retailers operating in NHS sites in Scotland must adhere to.

The new initiative aims to increase the availability of healthier food and drinks in shops in NHS buildings, with tighter rules around what can be promoted.

The new rule will be matched by all NHS-run catering sites.

“The HRS ensures that at least 50% of food and 70% of drinks on sale are healthier options.”

In addition, NHS has also introduced new restrictions for baby food in order to ensure that healthy eating behaviours are instilled at the earliest possible stage.

The products will have to contain no added sugar or salt and be unsweetened.

Last January, NHS England announced its plans to restrict the sale of sugary soft drinks, milkshakes and hot drinks with added syrups at NHS hospital canteens, shops and vending machines under the voluntary sugary drinks reduction scheme.

At that time, the NHS also warned that if hospitals and suppliers do not comply with the new directives then a ban will be introduced instead.