Bill to curb junk food promotions

● Legislation had planned to tackle Scotland’s obesity crisis ● Campaigners hit out at ministers’ ‘disappointing’ move

The Scottish Government has scrapped its proposed controversial legislation to restrict the promotions of junk food and drink products amid fears over the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the food and drink industry.

The government pledged in September to bring forward the bill - which would outlaw promotions on junk food – before the end of this parliament in a bid to curb Scotland’s obesity epidemic.

Obesity campaigners described the decision revealed in an answer to a written parliamentary question - as “disappointing”, however food retailers welcomed the move, saying the bill would have had a “devastating economic impact” on small businesses. An editorial published yesterday in the British Medical Journal claimed that the fast food industry should take some blame for the severity of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, due to obesity being a major risk factor for serious illness.

Lorraine Tulloch, programme lead of Obesity Action Scotland said: “This is disappointing news. While I understand that the food environment in Scotland has changed radically during the pandemic it has also become increasingly clear that people with obesity have had much worse outcomes from Covid-19, with an increased risk of being admitted to intensive care and of dying.

“If we want to secure the health, resilience and longevity of the people of Scotland then tackling overweight and obesity must be a priority. I would urge the Scottish Government to re-introduce this measure as soon as possible.”

Sheadded:“whilsttheindustry has stepped up to the mark in the supply and distribution of food during this pandemic they need to show the same leadership and responsibility in keeping our population healthy by stopping promotions of unhealthy foods and promoting healthy options.”

The BMJ editorial said that increasing evidence is now demonstrating that obesity is a risk factor for more severe illness and death from Covid-19. It said that in the UK, individuals who were overweight or obese made up 78 per cent of the confirmed Covid-19 infections and 62 per cent of the Covid-19 deaths in hospitals. Meanwhile, obesity leads to larger quantities of ACE2 in the body – the enzyme exploited by the virus for cell entry; diminishes the immune response and reduces lung function.

Professor Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK’S cancer prevention expert, based at the University of Edinburgh, said that obesity is linked to 13 types of cancers and called for the Scottish Government to reinstate the bill as soon as possible.

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. One of the consequences of lockdown has also been that some people are eating more and moving less. There’s also worrying evidence that suggests that Covid-19 affects those who are obese more severely.

“The Bill on Restricting Foods Promotions is an opportunity for Scotland to be bold and become a world leader on improving public health. The Scottish Government must now set out a firm commitment and clear timeline for when things will get back on track.”

In answer to a parliamentary question from Paisley MSP George Adam as to when the bill would be introduced, public health minister Joe Fitzpatrick said: “We are no longer planning to introduce the Restricting Foods Promotions Bill in this Parliament. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact, including on the food and drink and retail industries and on consumer behaviour. It is not yet clear what its long term impact will be. It is important we understand this fully and that we assess the economic and equality impacts of our proposed measures post-pandemic.

“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 wide-ranging Bill is required.” He added: “Tackling poor diet and overweight is a public health priority and remains a priority for this government.”

“If we want to secure the health, resilience and longevity of the people of Scotland then tackling obesity must be a priority”

LORRAINE TULLOCH

Serious concerns over the way care homes responded to Covid-19 crisis

The Care Inspectorate has revealed serious concerns over how some homes are responding to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Under coronavirus legislation, the organisation is required to submit reports every two weeks to the Scottish Parliament outlining the findings of any checks carried out during that period.

Current inspections are focusing on the response to the pandemic and issues including infection prevention and control.

Its first report, which covers the period from 27 May to 5 June, found generally good practice in the 13 care homes inspected but raised some concerns over infection control and personal protective