New food and drink sales rules could mean items such as chocolate, ready meals and sugary drinks could soon cost considerably more.
From October 2022, Government policy will mean supermarkets can no longer offer "buy one get one free" or similar offers on foods that are high in salt, fat or sugar (HFSS). The move is aimed at helping to tackle the UK's obesity crisis.
The Government has said the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the impact that obesity can have on people's health and health outcomes. Tackling obesity, it said, is therefore an immediate priority to support individuals and the NHS.
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As well as promotions being banned, HFSS items will be removed from prime locations in stores. In locations with coffee shops or cafes, free refills on sugary drinks will also no longer be allowed.
Gov.uk lists the following "prepacked food and drink" as being "in the scope of the restrictions":
- soft drinks
- cakes
- chocolate
- confectionery
- ice cream
- morning goods e.g. pastries
- puddings
- sweet biscuits
- breakfast cereals
- yoghurts
- milk-based drinks with added sugar
- juice based drinks with added sugar
- pizza
- ready meals
- meal centres, including breaded and battered products
- crisps and savoury snacks
- chips and similar potato products
The restrictions will apply to medium and large retailers, with 50 or more employees.
Other measures to limit exposure to HFSS products will include:
- a blanket ban on the advertising of HFSS items before a 9pm watershed
- calories to be displayed on eat-out menus
- free refills of HFSS soft drinks will be prohibited in the eating-out sector
- alcoholic beverages to feature a calorie count
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