Heath experts have called for all restaurants to provide a salad bar in a bid to crack down on soaring rates of obesity and related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

NHS chiefs believe that offering a salad bar would help to promote healthy eating and discourage patrons from making unhealthy food choices. The guidelines state that restaurants should offer salad as an addition to a meal for a cost of between £1 and £2.

In a report submitted by NHS dental public health consultants, it is suggested that people will be more likely to eat salad if they have paid for it. As part of the measures, clients would be invited to go up to the salad bar and select the contents of their own side salad. The consultants not only believe that this will foster healthy eating habits, but also give people a little more exercise and insight into a balanced diet. There is often a notion that salad is boring and tasteless, but once people get used to it, they may actually discover that they really like it.

Spokesman for the group, Dr Colwyn-Jones, said that the idea is based on models used in Scandinavia, which have been very successful. The initiative should have benefits for health, but it will also have a positive impact on farming and sales for restaurants.

Research carried out by the Food Standards Agency shows that many people are failing to hit their 5-a-day target and the Scots are 30 years away from reaching the target. Currently, the average person consumes just 3.5 portions per day.

The report comes shortly after the Scottish Government called for a ban on advertising junk food and alcohol to be extended until 9pm. At present, advertising for products high in fat, sugar and salt are banned during children’s television programmes, but ministers believe that this should also cover early evening slots.

The response to the suggestion has been mixed. Nutritionist and author, Carina Norris, said that there may be short-term benefits. However, she has concerns about excessive food waste.