Uh-oh here come the food police...

The Daily Mail is reporting today that Tesco is set to use its Clubcard to offer customers healthy eating reminders.

According to the newspaper, the supermarket will use data on what Clubcard holders are buying to advise those who want to slim on how to make healthier choices.

Tesco told the Daily Mail that it wanted to play it's part in tackling Britain's growing obesity epidemic.

The paper reports that the supermarket hasn't yet decided how it will use the information, but options could include offering vouchers for healthier products and suggesting recipes. It has also promised that customers would have to "opt in" to the initiative, rather than being bombarded with unwanted advice.

Now first of all I'd like to point out that I am not a "Daily Mail reader" (thinking curtain-twitching old busy-body stereotype) - I tend to look at all the papers daily because of my job. But I was intrigued to read this piece and I think it raises some interesting points.

Firstly, Tesco makes a hell of a lot of money selling unhealthy items. Think of all the three-for-twos and special offers on crisps... pizzas.... donuts... fizzy drinks etc. And will their healthy suggestions actually be healthy? Low fat alternatives are often not as good for you as they're billed. It's hard to see Tesco directing the fatties in the direction of the (usually very very small) wholefoods section.

Secondly, I've already blogged about my thoughts on the Clubcard tracking shoppers' spending habits. It's just a bit creepy. Big Brother is watching you!

And thirdly, COME ON, how much do we have to nanny people here?! Does Tesco really need to step in to tell fat people that if they continue to load up on donuts that they will continue to get fat? Really??? The fruit and vegetable aisle is always right at the front of the shop. If people choose the pass straight through it then that's their problem, and a nudge from Tesco telling them they bought too many pizzas that week probably isn't going to help.