South Korea to end junk food sales in schools

SEOUL, Sept 4 (Reuters) - South Korea will halt sales of junk food and sodas at schools nationwide in order to cut down on a recently growing problem of childhood obesity, the education ministry said on Tuesday.

South Korea has been able to avoid a serious childhood obesity problem for decades but saw the obesity rate hit 18.2 percent among its students in 2005 due to a more sedentary lifestyle and greater consumption of high-calorie foods.

The ministry plans to end sales of carbonated drinks in schools by the end of this year and then cut off sales of instant noodles, candy bars and other junk food, an official said.

"Living conditions have improved in this country, but this has resulted in students becoming less active," a ministry official said.