Ban proposed on promotion of unhealthy food and drink

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on banning the promotion of unhealthy foods and drinks, such as those high in fat, sugar and salt.

The 12-week consultation outlines the details of proposed regulations aimed at “creating a food environment which better supports healthier choices”, according to the Government. Proposals include restricting multi-buys, unlimited refills, or selling at locations such as at checkouts and front of store.

Public health minister Jenni Minto said improving health and supporting people to eat well and have a healthy weight “is a public health priority”.

“We need to address the high levels of excess weight, obesity and poor diet we know are contributing to worsening trends in Scotland’s health,” she said. “The association between these issues and health outcomes such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers has been established for some time. We want to ensure Scotland is a place whereweeatwellandhavea healthy weight. The Scottish Government is committed to restricting promotions of foods high in fat, sugar or salt at the point of purchase as research shows this is when people make decisions about what and how much to buy, for themselves and their families.”

However, David Thomson, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation Scotland, said the proposals would “disproportionately impact small Scottish food and drink producers”.

“Today’s consultation from the Scottish Government creates a different set of trading regulations for businesses selling into the Scottish stores compared to that in other parts of the UK,” he said. “These proposals will disproportionately impact small Scottish food and drink producers and will make selling food in Scotland more complex and costly for everyone.”