Proposed ban on multi-buy deals for junk food could be scrapped, Liz Truss hints
A PROPOSED ban on multibuy deals for junk food looks set to be scrapped, Liz Truss signalled yesterday.
The Prime Minister strongly hinted that curbs on the buy one get one free deals for unhealthy snacks would be abandoned.
It had previously been announced that the ban on food and drink high in fat, salt and sugar was being delayed until next October following consumers’ cost of living pressures.
Ms Truss, speaking at the Tory annual conference, said: “I’m not going to tell you what to do, or what to think or how to live your life.
“I’m not interested in how many two-for-one offers you buy at the supermarket, how you spend your spare time, or in virtue signalling.”
It would mark a move away from increased regulation as part of the anti-obesity strategy.
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She targeted the anti-growth coalition in her speech with Downing Street not ruling out that this included healthy food campaigner Jamie Oliver.
The Prime Minister’s press secretary suggested there could be a scrapping of the planned BOGOF offers.
He said: “You’ll have to wait for announcements on that.”
Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg has this week rallied against rules stopping supermarkets from promoting such snacks near tills.
Ministers would have to hold a vote on scrapping the ban on multibuy junk food deals and fear a rebellion from Tory MPs demanding stronger action on anti-obesity measures.