Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The Government will delay the implementation of its ban on multibuy deals on foods high in fat, salt, and sugar due to cost of living pressures.
PM Rishi Sunak plans to shelve the ban to prevent a rise in costs for customers struggling with their weekly shop. The policy, previously postponed to October 2023, will now be further delayed until October 2025 as the Government reviews its potential impact on businesses and shoppers.
Amid higher-than-expected global energy and goods prices, economies worldwide have been affected, leading to increased costs across supply chains.
Concerns have been raised by health campaigners regarding the Government’s lack of action on this matter.
Past Government actions in this area include:
- Introducing calorie labeling on menus, which is expected to bring health benefits of £4.6 billion and provide NHS savings of £430 million.
- Imposing restrictions on the placement of HFSS foods in shops, which are expected to bring health benefits of over £57 billion and provide NHS savings of over £4 billion in the next 25 years.
- Implementing the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, resulting in a 46% decrease in average sugar content of drinks between 2015 and 2020.
Impact of Cost of Living Pressures
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated, “I firmly believe in people’s right to choose, and during a time when household budgets are facing constant pressure from the global rise in food prices, it is unfair for the government to restrict options available to consumers during their weekly shopping.”
He added, “We must carefully consider the impact on consumers and businesses while striking a balance with our mission to reduce obesity and promote healthier lives.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay commented, “Given the rising food prices and cost of living pressures faced by families, it is appropriate to delay the implementation of these restrictions in order to support businesses and make food more affordable for families.”
