Calorie labelling policy could be revived as PM eyes obesity crackdown

A policy to mandate the listing of calories on some restaurant menus could be revived as early as next week, as the prime minister looks set to launch a crackdown on obesity.

Boris Johnson is also expected to unveil plans to ban the advertising of junk food on television before 9pm and announce curbs on in-store promotions.

Health and social care minister Helen Whatley told BBC Breakfast that an announcement was due "imminently”, with obesity considered to be "possibly the greatest health challenge".

She added: “The PM is committed to making sure we tackle obesity."

It is thought the prime minister has a renewed desire to crackdown on obesity following his battle with Covid-19, as evidence suggests those who are overweight are at increased risk from the virus.

Plans to mandate the displaying of calories in some restaurants had previously been put forward in 2018 under then-prime minister Theresa May.

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