The Government will delay the implementation of its ban on multibuy deals on foods high in fat, salt and sugar amid cost of living pressures.
It has been widely reported that PM Rishi Sunak is to shelve the ban in order to prevent costs rising for customers struggling with their weekly shop.
The policy had already been pushed back to October 2023. While the Government reviews the effects this ban will have on businesses and shoppers, it has been delayed until October 2025.
Economies across the world have been affected by higher-than-expected global energy and goods prices, leading to increased costs across supply chains.
Health campaigners have previously expressed their concern regarding Government inaction.
Previous Government action within this area includes:
- 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 HFSS 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% between 2015 and 2020.
Cost of living pressures
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak 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 Steve Barclay 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.”
