Scrapping policy banning BOGOF deals would be 'unforgivable'

Scrapping anti-obesity policy banning two-for-one junk food deals would be ‘unforgivable’, campaigners say

  • Rishi Sunak faces backlash for delay to ban on ‘buy one get one free’ deals  
  • Read more: Rishi Sunak postpones proposed end to ‘buy one, get one free’ deals 

Scrapping a planned anti-obesity policy banning two-for-one junk food deals would be ‘unforgivable’, health campaigners have warned.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced last week that the policy would be shelved until October 2025 because he believes in ‘people’s right to choose’.

He also said he does not want to make grocery shopping harder while food prices remain high during the cost-of-living crisis.

But chairman of Action on Sugar Professor Graham MacGregor said: ‘Scrapping the already delayed multi-buy price promotions policy, which is part of the Government’s own evidence-based childhood obesity strategy, would be unforgivable – especially given two- thirds of adults are living with overweight or obesity and putting real pressure on the NHS.

‘The Government’s own data shows these promotions cause people to spend 20 per cent more than they intended, so why would the Government not want to address this and make it easier for families to buy healthier food instead?’

The PM (pictured on June 14 at PMQs) has been facing a revolt over the issue after a government impact assessment found the move would save people three calories a day 

TV doctor Chris van Tulleken branded suggestions the ‘light-touch’ regulation would restrict consumer choice as ‘ludicrous’ (pictured June 12)

His concerns were echoed by Katharine Jenner, director of Obesity Health Alliance, who urged the Government to ‘follow the evidence’.

TV doctor Chris van Tulleken branded suggestions the ‘light-touch’ regulation would restrict consumer choice as ‘ludicrous’. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Dr van Tulleken said: ‘The Government is terrified of being a nanny state.

‘We live in a nanny state. The nannying is done by a very small number of transnational food corporations that extraordinarily restrict people’s choices.’

Health Secretary Steve Barclay insisted Ministers ‘remain committed to cutting waiting lists by tackling obesity’ despite the latest deferral.

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