New junk food legislation to be delayed due to Covid-19 crisis

A new law to restrict promotions on junk food will not be brought before the Scottish Parliament for another year due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Restricting Foods Promotions Bill will not be introduced during the current parliamentary session, Public Health Minister Joe Fitzpatrick has confirmed.

In a written answer to George Adam MSP, he said the Scottish Government will “pause” the introduction of the Bill to consider whether a wider approach was needed in light of the Covid-19 lockdown.

The current legislative session ends in May 2021, meaning the Bill will not be introduced until the second half of next year at the earliest.

The proposed legislation would have restricted price promotions on junk food, such as “buy one get one free” deals, to tackle obesity and poor diet.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “Pausing the introduction of the Bill provides us with an opportunity to take stock.

“It enables us to take into account the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown, including on people’s diet and healthy weight.

“We will be able to consider fully whether a more wideranging Bill is required to tackle Scotland’s diet and weight problem after the pandemic.”

Cancer Research UK’S cancer prevention expert, Professor Linda Bauld, said there needs to be a clear timeline for the Bill to get back on track.

She said: “Junk food price promotions encourage shoppers to stock up on unhealthy items, so it’s vital we see progress to restrict these harmful offers.

“Tackling obesity is crucial if we’re to protect the health of future generations.”