Rules banning multibuy deals on foods and drinks high in fat,
salt, or sugar – including buy one get one free deals – will be
delayed for another two years until October 2025, the government
has confirmed.
The policy had already been subject to a delay until October
2023. This will now be extended to allow the government to
continue to review the impact of the restrictions on the
consumers and businesses in light of the unprecedented global
economic situation.
Economies across the world have been affected by
higher-than-expected global energy and goods prices, leading to
increased costs across supply chains.
The delay means shoppers will be able to continue taking
advantage of multibuy offers on all foods.
Prime Minister said:
I firmly believe in people’s right to choose – and at a time when
household budgets are under continuing pressure from the global
rise in food prices, it is not fair for government to restrict
the options available to consumers on their weekly shop.
It is right that we consider carefully the impact on consumers
and businesses, while ensuring we’re striking the balance with
our important mission to reduce obesity and help people live
healthier lives.
Health and Social Care Secretary said:
With families facing rising food prices and cost of living
pressures, it is right that we delay the implementation of these
restrictions so as to support businesses and allow them to focus
on making food more affordable for families.
We remain committed to cutting waiting lists by tackling obesity
which costs the NHS around £6.5 billion a year and is the second
biggest cause of cancer. We’re already taking action to do so,
including by launching pilots for the latest anti-obesity drugs.
Addressing obesity remains a priority for government, as it will
help to reduce the strain put on the NHS as it works to tackle
the COVID-19 backlogs.
This month the government announced the rollout of a new
generation of obesity drugs to support people to lose weight and
reduce pressure on hospitals.
This comes on top of further action including:
- Introducing calorie labelling on menus, which are expected to
bring health benefits of £4.6 billion and provide NHS savings of
£430 million
- Restrictions on the location of unhealthy foods in shops,
which are expected to bring health benefits of over £57 billion
and provide NHS savings of over £4 billion over the next 25 years
- Introducing the Soft Drinks Industry Levy which has seen the
average sugar content of drinks decrease by 46 per cent between
2015 and 2020
-
Investment to boost
school sport to help children and young people have an
active start to life.
