Cancer charity calls for curb on junk food offers

Appeal to Scottish Government to limit supermarket bargain-buys on unhealthy snacks high in sugar, salt and fat

Too much junk food is on special offer, according to Scottish parents.

Parents are being persuaded by supermarket deals to fill their trolleys with bargain-buy junk food, new research by Cancer Research UK has found.

A survey asked how offers on groceries which are high in sugar, salt or fat influenced Scots’ shopping habits.

The results were startling, with around nine in 10 – 89% – of parents believing supermarket promotions impact on what they buy.

Cancer Research UK is calling on the Scottish Government to urgently restrict offers on unhealthy food to make it easier for people to make healthier choices.

The poll also shows the offers could be having a profound effect on what type of foods parents are feeding their families.

Almost 57% of parents polled said promotions lead them to buy more junk food than they really want.

The survey also reveals that more than 71% of parents think too much junk food is on promotion, with 75% wanting the balance shifted towards healthier items.

The polling was carried out to explore some of the reasons why Scotland is in the grip of an obesity epidemic.

With obesity linked to 13 types of cancer, the charity is demanding action from the Scottish Government when it publishes its obesity strategy later this year.

Cancer Research UK cancer prevention expert Professor Linda Bauld, from Stirling University, said: “These offers are persuading parents to ignore their shopping lists and buy cheap unhealthy food in large quantities.

“As part of its expected obesity strategy, the Scottish Government has an opportunity to help families make it easier to keep a healthy weight.

“By restricting special offers on unhealthy food and drink, we can make our shopping baskets healthier.”

Obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer.