Deals ‘encouraging unhealthy choices’

Consumers buy more high fat, salt and sugar foods on promotion than healthier items, according to NHS Health Scotland.

The review found consumer spending on price promotions in the UK is the highest in Europe and warned that pro- motions can encourage people to make unplanned purchases in the supermarket.

Dr Andrew Fraser, director of public health science at NHS Health Scotland, said: “We have a major problem on our hands, with poor diet and overweight across Scotland. Food and drink promotions... lead to additional expenditure that may further squeeze the budgets of households who already have trouble paying their bills. Minimising promotions could ease the financial pressures and make healthy food and drink choices easier.”