17 hours ago
Full list of popular snacks set to be banned from special offers in Scotland
However Scots will still be able to take advantage of short-term sales
NOT SO SWEET Full list of popular snacks set to be banned from special offers in Scotland
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NATS chiefs will ban junk food multi-buy and Buy One Get One Free (BOGOF) deals by the end of 2026, it has been revealed.
SNP ministers unveiled the crackdown on multibuys of pre-packed food high in sugar, salt or fat such as chocolate bars, crisps and pork pies.
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New curbs are being brought in on junk food
Credit: Alamy
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SNP chiefs unveiled the crackdown on multibuys of pre-packed food high in sugar
Credit: Getty
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Displays of multi-buys of crisps and other unhealthy foods at checkout areas, the end of aisles, and shop entrances as well as online home pages will also be restricted
Credit: Alamy
The plans will also restrict unlimited refills of sugary pop in restaurants as ministers try to make people thinner.
Displays of multi-buys of crisps and other unhealthy foods at checkout areas, the end of aisles, and shop entrances as well as online home pages will also be restricted under the proposals.
However Scots will still be able to take advantage of short-term sales on their favourite treats and buy a lunch-time meal deal after Nats figures ditched the plans to ban them.
Nats chiefs will bring forward the law changes in Autumn and give businesses a year before they come into force, public health minister Jenni Minto said.
She said: 'It is this Government's intention that restrictions in Scotland will align with policy in England and Wales.
'These regulations will seek to reduce the public health harms associated with the excess consumption of calories, fat, sugar or salt, including the risks of developing type two diabetes, various types of cancer and other conditions such as cardiovascular disease.'
The rules will also apply to larger supermarkets with more than 50 employees with smaller 'express' style stores or corner shops exempt from the restrictions.
And restaurants and cafes will avoid the crackdown on unhealthy foods, but will be forced to ban unlimited refills of sugary pop.
While sweet shops, chocolatiers and small shops under 2000 square feet will also be exempt.
Councils will be expected to enforce the rules with shopkeepers risking a fine of up to £2,500 if they break them.
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Short-term sales on unhealthy foods and meal deals will still be allowed, however, due to concerns around the cost-of-living crisis and the impact on businesses.
Nats chiefs first floated a clampdown on unhealthy grub in 2017.
Health secretary Neil Gray said: 'Addressing the problem of obesity and helping people eat well and maintain a healthy weight is a public health priority.
'We are taking wide-ranging action to support people to make healthier food choices, recognising the contribution which poor diet makes to worsening health trends.'
David Thomson, Food and Drink Federation Scotland's Chief Executive Officer, said: 'We welcome the decision from the Scottish Government to align with the regulations in other parts of the UK.
"This creates a level playing field for businesses selling into Scottish stores compared with England and Wales.
'We look forward to working in partnership with the Scottish Government to help prepare our businesses for the regulations coming into force.
"At the same time our Reformulation for Health Programme will be there to continue to support Scotland's food and drink businesses to make their products healthier.'
David McColgan, Chair of NCD Alliance Scotland said: "We welcome the long awaited announcement from the Scottish Government today regarding regulations to tackle high fat, salt and sugar food and drinks and the health harming impacts they cause in communities across Scotland.
'Whilst today's announcements are positive, they do not go far enough in their efforts to transform the food landscape in Scotland and we would encourage the Scottish Government to not simply follow regulations in England and Wales, but to lead the UK in creating a food environment that makes the healthy choice, the easy choice."
