CALORIE labels for food and drinks in restaurants, cafes and restaurants could be introduced.

The government has opened a consultation on plans which could see the number of calories listed alongside meal descriptions in outlets and online across England.

The consultation will seek the views of small businesses, street vendors, restaurants with fast-changing menus and online takeaway businesses.

Calorie labels are already widely displayed on packaged foods in supermarkets and in some big chains including Wetherspoons and Subway.

The plans form part of the government’s wider strategy to halve childhood obesity by 2030.

Diabetes experts have welcomed the proposals and have said that three-quarters of the British public have told them that they want more information about what is in the food and drink they buy.

Public Health Minister Steve Brine said: "This is not about forcing anyone to eat certain things, or companies to behave in a certain way, but I firmly believe we have a right to know the nutritional content of the food we give to our children.

Evidence shows that overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults, who have a high risk of developing health conditions such as type two diabetes, certain cancers, strokes and heart disease.