Boris cracks down on ‘unhealthy’ food

FOOD considered by the Government to be unhealthy will no longer be available as a “buy-one-get-one-free” deal in large stores and supermarkets.

Discounted multi-buys will be banned under plans to tackle obesity, with foods high in fat, salt or sugar – including cakes, crisps, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, pizzas and ready meals – all affected.

The restriction is due to come into effect from April, 2022, to give manufacturers and retailers time to adjust to the new measures.

Ministers will today set the same deadline for retailers to stop offering promotions on other unhealthy foods in prominent places, such as at check-outs or store entrances.

Small stores are exempt from the plans aimed at helping the nation lose weight.

Health campaigners welcomed the move, which as well as restricting promotions like “three for two” will also ban free refills of sugary soft drinks when dining out.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said evidence shows that, while promotions may appear to save shoppers money, they actually encourage people to buy more than they need or desire.

The restrictions on promotions will only apply to businesses employing more than 50 people and on locations and stores larger than 2,000 square feet.

The DHSC said the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for the nation to lose weight, with Covid-19 being particularly deadly to overweight people.

The interventionist approach is a U-turn for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has been a vocal opponent of so-called “sin taxes” seen as “nannying” by the state.