The government has confirmed that a plan to ban multi-buy deals on unhealthy food & drink has been suspended for another two years due to the cost of living crisis.
In October last year, the placement of high fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) products in areas like checkouts, end-of-aisle units, store entrances, and designated queueing areas was banned in England as part of moves to tackle rising obesity levels in the UK. However, planned restrictions on multi-buy offers such as BOGOFs were delayed until October this year amid concerns about its impact on consumers struggling with the rising cost of living.
Following criticism of the policy last week, the government said over the weekend that the delay has now been extended until October 2025 as it continues to review the impact the move would have.
In a statement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I firmly believe in people’s right to choose – and at a time when household budgets are under continuing pressure from the global rise in food prices, it is not fair for government to restrict the options available to consumers on their weekly shop.
“It is right that we consider carefully the impact on consumers and businesses, while ensuring we’re striking the balance with our important mission to reduce obesity and help people live healthier lives.”
The move is likely to further dismay health campaigners, although the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) welcomed the decision. It said it would help consumers who are “facing enough challenges with inflation without legislation like this further increasing shopping bills”.
Opponents of the promotions ban point to the Department for Health’s own assessment, which found that halting multi-buy deals will only reduce daily intake by a maximum of just four calories, while households miss out on annual savings of over £600.
Christopher Snowdon, Head of lifestyle economics at the think tank Institute of Economics Affairs, said last week: “The Government’s own impact assessment predicts that banning these deals will reduce calorie consumption by the equivalent of one grape a day. Repealing this policy at a time when food inflation is nearly 20% has to be the biggest no-brainer in British politics today.”
NAM Implications:
- Two years is a long time in retailing.
- (think long grass, perhaps?)
