Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Accepted
Paragraph: 85
Government delays restrictions on unhealthy food multibuy deals, hindering obesity efforts.
Conclusion
We were extremely disappointed that during the inquiry, the Government delayed the introduction of restrictions on multibuy deals on food and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar, including buy-one-get-one-free deals. It is essential that the Government prioritises interventions that provide a healthy environment, rather than focusing solely on individual action. We are frustrated that the Government has not made more progress in tackling the obesity crisis in our population.
Government Response Summary
The government details existing population-wide interventions, such as calorie labelling and location restrictions for high fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS) products, along with successes in reformulation programmes. However, it does not address the committee's disappointment over the delay in implementing multibuy restrictions or commit to their immediate introduction.
Paragraph Reference:
85
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Obesity is a complex public health challenge to which there is no single solution, and as such our policies include population-wide interventions as well as more specific targeted interventions for those most in need. We have been careful to consider the views of mental health charities and experts as we developed our plans for implementing measures to improve diets and reduce obesity, and we will continue to listen going forward. This includes feedback from a wide range of experts in response to our public consultations on specific policy proposals. We are working with the food industry to ensure it is easier for people to make healthier choices and increase progress on the reformulation of foods. Measures include new regulations on calorie labelling for out of home food sold in large businesses including restaurants, cafes and takeaways, which came into force on 6 April 2022, and restrictions on the promotion by location of products high in fat, salt or sugar , which came into force on 1 October 2022. The locations restrictions, which mean that products high in fat, salt or sugar will no longer be promoted in key locations such as checkouts and aisle ends, are the single most impactful obesity policy at reducing children’s sugar and calorie consumption. These restrictions are expected to accrue health benefits of over £57 billion and provide NHS savings of over £4 billion over the next 25 years. Through our reduction and reformulation programmes, we are encouraging the food industry to make everyday food and drink lower in sugar, salt and calories. We have seen some important successes, including the average sugar content of: breakfast cereals and yoghurts decreasing by 14.9% and 13.5% respectively drinks subject to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy decreasing by 46% between 2015 and 2020