Government launches a consultation into restrictions on how retailers promote food and drink that is high in fat, salt and sugar

The government is proposing new rules to restrict retailers using promotions thought to cause excessive consumption of HFSS food and drink by children.

The consultation is asking people for their views on:

  • Restricting multiby promotions of HFSS products such as ‘buy one, get one free’
  • Restricting promotions of HFSS products at checkouts, end of aisles and store entrances

This consultation forms part of the chapter 2 of the government’s childhood obesity plan. It will seek views from the public and industry on the potential measures, alongside whether exemptions should be made for small businesses so they are not penalised by the rules.

The new rules would only apply to deals that promote HFSS food and drinks that are most often consumed by children.

Businesses would also still be free to offer discounts for individual sales of HFSS items as this does not require consumers to buy more in order to benefit from savings.

The closing date for comments is 6 April 2019.