Sony's chairman urges for healthier alternatives to popcorn in cinemas

London, March 17 : Michael Lynton, chairman and chief executive of Sony Pictures, has called for healthier alternatives to snacks such as butter dipped popcorn in cinemas.

Lynton urged a convention of cinema owners in Las Vegas to help manage the bulging concerns related to obesity by introducing granola bars, fruit salad, yogurt and vegetable crudites with dips.

"I can almost imagine the Romans eating popcorn and drinking Coke at the Colosseum 2,000 years ago. But by bringing healthier snacks into your concession stands you would be helping our country meet an urgent public health need," Times Online quoted him as saying.

Lynton pointed out he was not looking to "close the window for popcorn, soda and candy" and realised what problems could be faced on the health drive.

He said: "I don't think giant tubs of spinach or broccoli is a good idea. And nobody wants to eat cauliflower while watching Spider-Man, or drink a 40oz cup of prune juice."

Lynton added: "I'm just talking about adding some healthier items to what you already sell."

Deirdre Flynn, spokesman for the Popcorn Board, a non-profit organisation funded by US popcorn processors, said: "If you ask most consumers what they consider the number one movie snack, they will tell you it's popcorn. Popcorn and movies have gone hand in hand since the early 1900s."