The consultation asks people to give their views on:
- restricting multibuy promotions of HFSS products,
such as ‘buy one, get one free’
- restricting promotions of HFSS products at
checkouts, end of aisles and store entrances
The consultation is part of chapter 2 of the
government’s childhood obesity plan. It will seek
views from the public and industry on the potential
measures, alongside whether exemptions should be made
for small businesses so they are not penalised by the
rules.
Currently, 1 in 3 children is overweight or obese by
the time they leave primary school. Despite the
complexity around obesity, experts are clear that the
root cause is consistently consuming more calories than
needed.
Recent research from the Obesity Health Alliance found
that 43% of all food and drink products located in
prominent areas were for sugary foods and drinks, with
just 1% for fruit and vegetables.
The new rules would only apply to deals that promote
HFSS food and drinks that are most often consumed by
children. They would not stop discounts on household
essentials.
Businesses would also still be free to offer discounts
for individual sales of HFSS items, as this does not
require consumers to buy more in order to benefit from
savings.
Public Health Minister said:
Preventing ill health is critical to our Long Term
Plan for the NHS, and I want to do everything in my
power to keep people healthy for longer. This must
start with the health and nutrition of our children.
Tackling childhood obesity means working together
across society, with industry, public services and
families all having a role to play. All too often we
hear people say less healthy foods are cheaper and
easier but that is simply not the case.
This is about ensuring businesses are doing their
part to shift the balance and help children and
families eat healthier options like fruit and
vegetables.
