Offers on unhealthy foods that require buyers to buy more items to take advantage of the discount – such as “buy one get one free” or “3 for 2” promotions – are banned in stores and online. The restrictions extend beyond chocolate, soft drinks, sweets and potato chips to pastries, breakfast cereals, pizzas, ready meals and battered products, such as breaded chicken and fish.
Unhealthy promotions are no longer allowed on ‘key locations’ such as checkouts, store entrances and at the end of corridors. Free refills of sugar soft drinks in restaurants will also be banned.
The new measures will ensure that ‘healthy choices are easy choices’, Public Health Minister Jo Churchill said in a statement. “Creating an environment that helps everyone to eat healthier food on a regular basis is crucial to improving the health of the country,” she added.
But the Food and Beverage Federation, which represents the manufacturers, said the policy would have a serious economic impact on producers and consumers.
“The proposed restrictions will not only increase food for families, but it will also have a serious economic impact on food and beverage manufacturers who are already preoccupied with the new Brexit costs and the consequences of the global pandemic,” he said. chief operating officer Tim Rycroft said in a statement.
According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the restrictions are the latest attempt by the government to tackle Britain’s obesity, which is among the highest in the world.
“Today’s announcement is an important part of the government’s strategy to tackle obesity and get the country fit and healthy,” the Department of Health and Social Care said on Monday, adding that the pandemic could affect obesity. have on the health results of people, emphasize. .
“Promotions seem to help many people save money, but data shows that purchases of manufactured products increase by 20% by encouraging people to buy more than they needed or intended to in the first place. for sale, “he said.