The Welsh Government has been urged not to ban meal deals following the consultation document to make Wales a ‘healthier’ food environment.’
The consultation document, published back in June 2022, looked at ways. to ‘make the food environment in Wales healthier’ including banning meal deals.
Whilst the consultation came to an end in September nothing has yet been published. However, The Welsh Retail Consortium has written to ministers explaining that the move would as its head, Sara Jones explained: “Just lead to restrictions in terms of availability and affordability in terms of the consumer.”
She added: “With inflation running at an 18-year high it would be regressive and irresponsible to put up costs in this manner with no evidence at this time that it would significantly improve public health.”
David Thomson, of the Food and Drink Federation Cymru told the BBC: “The Welsh government must ensure that any policy does not increase the cost of food for the people of Wales at a time when households across the country are struggling to make ends meet.
“In addition, it is critical that Welsh food and drink manufacturers have a level playing field with their competitors in other parts of the UK.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are considering the next steps on price promotions and locations and no final position has been made following the pubic consultation. We are not proposing to ban meal deals themselves but to consider whether there should be restrictions on high fat, salt and sugar products, that may be part of a meal deal.”
