Call for ministers to act now on new junk food restrictions
CANCER experts and health leaders called for “urgent implementation” of new junk food restrictions which aims to tackle Scotland’s obesity blight.
The Scottish Government yesterday unveiled a plan that will see restrictions on ‘buy one get one free’ deals and purchase reward, where incentives such as a toy or loyalty points are offered.
There will also be curbs on unlimited refills, coupons and free samples.
Food proposed to be covered by the ban includes items high in sugar, fat and salt such as sweets, biscuits, crisps, cakes and sugary soft drinks.
Ministers also plan to seek views on whether or not to include ice cream and dairy desserts.
A consultation is scheduled for autumn on detailed plans for the ban and will also examine a prohibition on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s.
Further measures to reduce obesity in Scotland were published in the new Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan.
These include creating a code of practice with local authorities, transport companies and media agencies next year to restrict junk food advertising on sites such as bus shelters, stations and inside buses and trains.
The government will also call on the Advertising Standards Agency to remove these types of adverts from a 800m radius of any site where a quarter of visitors are under16s, including schools.
Professor Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK’s cancer prevention expert, based at the University of Stirling, said: “Obesity is the biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking and so bold action is needed.
“Price promotions play a significant part in what families choose to put into their shopping basket, with over half of confectionary bought in Scotland because it was on special offer.
“It’s positive news that the Scottish Government will consult on plans to restrict the price promotions that are fuelling the nation’s obesity crisis, but it is vital that these plans lead to laws that restrict these promotions.”
Lorraine Tulloch, of Obesity Action Scotland said:“We welcome today’s publication. Overweight and obesity is impacting on the lives of two out of every three adults in Scotland.
“If we want to ensure a healthier future for Scots we need the Scottish Government to implement the wide range of measures it is proposing.”