Ban on buy one get one food deals delayed for a year as PM accused of ‘playing politics’ with children’s health | Political news

The government has delayed a plan to crack down on unhealthy food promotions for a year.

Promotions such as buy one get one free (Bogof) and additional freebies for products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) will be banned under the new measures as part of the Fat Strategy more widely, in October.

Instead, promotions will be banned in October 2023.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the new measures would coincide with increases in energy and commodity prices.

Ban on Advertise HFSS on TV before 9pm and online paid advertisements are also being delayed for a year and will instead take effect in January 2024, due to a delay on the Health and Care Bill receiving the royal ascension. Countries and industry need more time to prepare, the government said.

It also said a TV consultation and online paid advertising would be launched in the coming weeks.

Health campaigners were left disappointed by the news, with one accusing Prime Minister Boris Johnson of “playing politics” with the health of children.

Government should not ‘delay and coordinate’

However, Public Health Minister Maggie Thgroup said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to help people lead healthier lives.

“Pausing restrictions on transactions like buy one get one free will allow us to understand its impact on consumers amid the unprecedented global economic situation.”

But Barbara Crowther, of the Food for Children Campaign, said the government should not be “delayed and coordinated” but should expedite Bogof’s transactions.

“Obesity is on the rise and millions of families can’t afford proper food preparation,” she said. Repeated purchases make people spend more on junk food and less on healthy food. “.

“This delay threatens the UK’s target of halving childhood obesity by 2030. Boris is playing politics with the health of our children.”

Shadow Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Boris Johnson’s desperate clinging to his job means that the minds of Conservative MPs are being put before the health of children.

“Instead of cutting childhood obesity, preventing ill-health and easing the pressure on the NHS, this chaotic government is taking another turn.”

Limiting ‘meaningful’ delay

However, the “pragmatism” of government action has been welcomed by industry body the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

Kate Halliwell, FDF’s chief scientific officer, said: “At a time when both our families and manufacturers are grappling with high inflation, it’s worth delaying the restrictions on quantity promotions. for everyday food and beverage products, including breakfast cereals, ready-to-eat meals, and yogurt, as it risks stretching already stressed household budgets .

“We also welcome the delay in starting the advertising restrictions, as our industry will have time to prepare for the change of law.”

Restrictions on placing unhealthy products in key locations such as checkouts, store entrances and end aisles and their online equivalents will remain in effect until October.

The Government says tackling obesity remains a priority as it will ease the strain on the NHS as it works to tackle the COVID backlog.

Last month, the government introduced calorie labeling in large restaurants, cafes and takeout.