Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges facing
Northern Ireland, with 65% of adults living with obesity or
excess weight. Obesity can lead to a higher risk of major health
conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and
some cancers.
Evidence shows that the promotion of HFSS products through
price-based incentives, prominent placement and marketing tactics
can significantly influence consumer purchasing behaviour, often
at the expense of healthier options, which can contribute to
obesity.
To help tackle the issue, DoH and FSA are proposing measures
similar to those which already exist in England and Wales, and
due to come into effect in Scotland in October. Measures being
considered include limiting multibuy offers such as 3-for-2 or 2
for £10 on certain food products which are deemed unhealthy;
restricting where these products can be placed in a supermarket,
including online stores; and restricting free refills of
sugar-sweetened soft drinks.
Health Minister said:
Evidence shows us that multibuy offers and positioning of certain
unhealthy products in shops significantly increase purchasing of
food and drinks which are high in fat, sugar and salt.
This can lead to a higher chance of obesity and being overweight,
which can in turn increase the risk of serious health conditions.
A key area of focus for me as Health Minister is prevention; to
keep people healthy as much as possible.
The Healthy Futures Obesity Strategic Framework, my Department's
strategy to tackle the growing obesity crisis, emphasises the
importance of creating supportive environments that encourage
healthy eating.
While we all have a responsibility to look after our own health,
these proposed measures aim to create conditions that support
individuals in making healthier choices.
I encourage stakeholders and wider public to take part in this
consultation and share your views to help shape the future of
health policy in Northern Ireland.
Encouraging people to engage and share their views, Professor
Susan Jebb, Chair of the FSA said:
The food system is constantly changing, so we must continue to
adapt the way we regulate to protect the public now and in the
future.
We want to do this in a way that is most effective, so it is
vital that we hear from a broad range of voices on these
proposals to restrict promotions of products high in fat, salt
and sugar and that we learn from experiences in other countries.
This consultation will be relevant to retailers, both in-store
and online, and will also affect out-of-home food businesses,
food manufacturers, and local authorities.
We also want to hear from public health organisations, consumer
advocacy bodies and the general public about how they want us to
act to shape the food environment.
Please take the opportunity to share your views.
Consultation responses can be submitted via the online
questionnaire
