Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Cut price deals on junk food face ban
CUT price deals on junk food in supermarkets and stores could be barred as part of a new action plan from the Scottish Government to tackle the nation’s obesity problem.
Ministers also want to see a ban on radio and TV adverts for unhealthy foods before the 9pm watershed and will look to bring in portion limits and calorie caps on food bought in restaurants and takeaways.
Television chef Jamie Oliver has praised the Scottish Government for its “bold, brave and trailblazing move to transform our kids’ diets”.
Oliver said: “This is an amazing step towards making sure the healthiest choice is the easiest choice for everyone.
“Today, Scotland has set an example to the rest of the world.”
He spoke out after Scottish Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell launched a new a consultation on improving diet, exercise and weight.
Figures from 2016 showed that twothirds (65%) of adults in Scotland were overweight, including 29% who were obese — statistics which are “largely unchanged since 2008”, the Government said.
The consultation makes clear Scottish ministers are “minded to act to restrict price promotion on food and drink products which are high in fat, salt and sugar” such as multi-buy deals and temporary price promotions.
As TV and radio advertising is reserved, the Scottish Government pledged to “strongly press” Westminster to ban broadcast advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugar before the 9pm watershed — with ministers in Edinburgh saying if the UK Government does not act it will demand these powers be devolved to Holyrood.
Ms Campbell said they would also consider if restrictions are needed over the advertising of such products in areas around schools and children’s visitor attractions, as well as on buses and trains.
The Scottish Government will also spend more than £40 million on “weight management interventions” for almost 100,000 people who have or are at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Meanwhile, a specific strategy for restaurants and takeaways will be published by summer 2018 and include “action on calorie labelling, portion size and calorie cap options, promotions and marketing”. Health visitors will also work with families to promote healthy eating.
The consultation will run until January 31.