The Welsh government is set to introduce new legislation in the Senedd next year, with the aim of it becoming law in 2025. This initiative is designed to combat obesity and reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, various types of cancer, and cardiovascular diseases in Wales.
Under the proposed legislation, certain foods will be prohibited from being displayed in specific areas of supermarkets, such as at the end of aisles, near checkouts, and in aisle bins. Additionally, promotional deals like 3 for 2 and buy-one-get-one-free (BOGOF) offers on certain foods will be restricted. Although these measures align with plans in England, Wales intends to take further action by including restrictions on meal deals and preventing temporary price reductions on specific foods.
While the precise foods that will be excluded from meal deals have yet to be determined, their nutritional value, or lack thereof, will certainly be a determining factor. The legislation will primarily target foods and drinks that have been proven to contribute significantly to obesity, rather than applying to all high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) products.
It is worth noting that the Welsh government does not plan to outright ban meal deals. Instead, it aims to restrict the inclusion of the “unhealthiest products” in these deals, and intends to collaborate with retailers to achieve this objective. Additionally, it is important to highlight that the new legislation will only affect businesses with more than 50 employees, thereby excluding smaller, local corner stores.
Public Health Wales has recently released research supporting government intervention to tackle the “meal deal culture” and implement taxes on high-sugar foods. For more information on this topic, you can read the report here.
This legislation demonstrates the Welsh government’s commitment to combating obesity and improving public health. By strategically targeting certain foods and promoting healthier choices, Wales hopes to make a significant impact on the well-being of its population.
