Meal deals: Unhealthy options will be restricted in Wales

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June 26, 2023

Updated 28 minutes ago

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The Welsh government says it will not ban foods, but will work with retailers on offerings

Deals with meals high in fat, sugar or salt will be restricted in Wales under schemes to tackle obesity and diabetes.

Proposals put forward by the Welsh government would also ban temporary price drops and cross-buy offers on unhealthy foods.

But retailers have raised concerns about the timing of the announcement as food prices continue to rise.

The legislation will be rolled out across Wales in 2025.

A number of retailers offer lunch deals that combine a sandwich, drink, and snack for a set price.

Certain formulas that are high in fat, sugar or salt above the recommended daily intake will be restricted.

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“If I want to buy something with more sugar or salt, that’s my choice,” says Bethan Walker.

The new law will also prevent retailers from temporarily lowering prices and offering two-for-one promotions on unhealthy foods.

The new rules will also try to limit impulse buying of fast food by requiring retailers not to promote certain items at the end of aisles or next to the checkout.

The legislation will apply to all businesses that employ more than 50 people.

Similar changes in England were delayed by the UK government. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it would be unfair to restrict choices when food prices remain high.

Shoppers at a supermarket in the Vale of Glamorgan had mixed opinions on the proposed legislation.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said John Milne. “I think the government should put a brake on that. It’s time to put health over profits.”

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Food packaging health warnings are supported by Mohamed Gomaa

Muhammad Jumaa believes that putting health warnings on food packages will be more effective, like health warnings on cigarette packages.

“I understand what’s going on, but personally, my point is if I want to buy something with more sugar or salt, that’s my choice,” said Bethan Walker.

Philco supermarket manager Matthew Hunt called the timing “laughable”.

“It is notable that Rishi Sunak has recently spoken of relaxing this legislation, that it is itself inflationary and not the right time to take this approach especially when food inflation in particular is as high as it is.

“What should be avoided at all costs is the confusion caused by different governments not agreeing with what is included and what is left out.

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“It’s time to put health before profits,” says John Milne.

The Welsh Government said there was strong public support for action to help people make healthy food choices.

According to Public Health Wales data, 60% of people in Wales are overweight and one in four children is obese by the time they reach the age of five.

The number of people with type 2 diabetes in Wales has also reached a record high.

Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Lynne Neagle said: “This legislation will drive our commitment to improving diets and help prevent obesity in Wales.

“Our goal is to rebalance our food environments toward healthier products, so that the healthy choice becomes the easy choice.”

The Welsh government said it would not ban any products, but would continue to work with retailers to find nutritional balance in all offerings available to customers.

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Philco supermarket manager Matthew Hunt worries about ‘confusion’

Dr Ilona Johnson, Public Health Adviser to Public Health Wales, said: “We know that through evidence that policies targeting the food environment are effective and that a strong legislative framework is an important step in helping us shift the balance towards healthier choices and healthier people.”

The Welsh Retail Association said: “We are particularly concerned about potential plans to restrict promotional prices and restrict products in meal deals.

“Promotions within categories allow retailers and brands to compete to attract customers, improve competition and keep prices low.”

Welsh Conservatives for Mental Health spokesperson James Evans said: “Obesity is a pressing issue across the western world and is a costly drain on the limited resources of the precious Welsh NHS, and it is a shame that the Welsh Government has taken so long to tackle the problem.

“However, during the cost-of-living pressures we are all facing, we need cast-iron assurances from the Welsh Labor Government that they do not intend to ban meal deals and that any new regulations will not increase the average weekly cost for shoppers.”

Blade Cymru said it “supports actions focused on making it easier to make healthy lifestyle choices.”

“It is very important to find the balance between taking steps that can prevent poor health in the future rather than actions that involve the government restricting what we can do when many families are already facing unreasonable pressure on their budgets.”

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