LONDON (Reuters) – Britain will ban “buy one for free” promotions for foods high in fat, sugar or salt and free refills of sugary soft drinks in restaurants from April 2022, according to the government Monday, his latest step in his plan to fight obesity and improve public health.
The government says obesity is one of Britain’s biggest long-term public health problems, with almost two-thirds of overweight adults in England and one in three children leaving primary school being overweight or obese .
The measures will also restrict where promotions about these products can be advertised in a store and unhealthy promotions will not be allowed at checkouts, store entrances or at aisle ends.
“We are restricting promotions and introducing a number of measures to make sure healthy choice is the easy choice. Creating an environment that helps everyone eat healthier foods more regularly is crucial to improving the nation’s health. said Public Health Minister Jo Churchill.
Britain first proposed restricting bids to “buy one and get one for free” on junk food in July, and also announced measures such as banning TV and online junk ads before 9pm .
Last month the government went further and proposed a total ban on online advertising of unhealthy foods.
Being overweight has been shown to increase the risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19, a fact highlighted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has spoken publicly about his need to lose weight since he was hospitalized with the disease.
Report by Alistair Smout, edited by Louise Heavens