PM indicates junk food BOGOF restrictions could be scrapped

The Prime Minister has indicated in her speech as leader at the Conservative Party Conference this week that restrictions on junk food sales in the UK could be scrapped.

Speaking yesterday, Liz Truss 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.”

Previously announced restrictions banning multi-buy deals on foods and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS) – including buy one get one free (BOGOF), ‘three for two', and restrictions on free refills for soft drinks were delayed until next year, it was confirmed, ‘due to the cost of living crisis and to give the industry more time to prepare for the restrictions on advertising’.

The restrictions banning HFSS adverts on TV before 9pm and paid-for adverts online were also paused for a year, and are expected to come into force January 2024.

Rules restricting the placement of less healthy products come into force this month and this year has also seen laws on calorie labelling in large restaurants, cafes and takeaways introduced.

Jamie Oliver called on the hospitality industry to back anti-obesity measures and move forward with more anti-obesity measures voluntarily during a protest at Downing Street earlier this year following the government’s backtrack.

The Department for Health and Social Care has been contacted to confirm if BOGOF restrictions will still be going ahead and if other measures will be affected.