LONDON, June 25 (UPI) -- British government officials said they are considering a program of having supermarkets use customer loyalty card data to offer tailored advice on better diets. <\/p>\n
David Halpern, the head of the Behavioral Insights Team, part of the prime minister's team known as the \"nudge unit\" -- which applies behavioral science insights to policy problems -- said supermarkets have more data than doctors have on their customers, and this information should be used for healthier eating, the Daily Telegraph reported. <\/p>\n
The program involves shoppers who buy large amounts of snack food, alcohol or unhealthy products being identified and offered advice on healthier options or changes in their diet. <\/p>\n
Richard Thaler, of Chicago, who is credited with developing the concept, met with David Cameron, prime minister, and other ministers this month, the Telegraph said. <\/p>\n
Andrew Lansley, the health secretary, has said he would rule out government involvement in this type of program and other officials said they are wary of \"big brother\" accusations. <\/p>\n
While it appeared to be understood that supermarkets would offer the \"nudges,\" some in the retail trade said they feared customers might not appreciate the nudging, the Telegraph added. <\/p>\n
Cameron had already advocated for homeowners and renters to compare their energy bills with those of their neighbors to evaluate whether they were using natural gas and electricity efficiently -- a program already implemented by some utilities in the United States. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Link: LONDON, June 25 (UPI) -- British government officials said they are considering a program of having supermarkets use customer loyalty card data to offer tailored advice on better diets. Continue reading
\nLoyalty cards may 'nudge' better eating<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"