The planned restrictions banning adverts promoting food and drink which is high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) being shown on TV before 9pm have been delayed for more than a year, revealed an official statement from the Department of Health and Social Care.
Alongside this delay, rules banning multi-buy deals on foods and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS), including buy-one-get-one-free, ‘3 for 2’, and restrictions on free refills for soft drinks, will also be delayed until October 2023.
Rules limiting the location of HFSS foods in shops will continue to go ahead in October 2022 as planned.
The restrictions on HFSS pre-watershed TV advertisements and paid-for adverts online will now come to fruition in January 2024. According to the government, this is due to a delay to the Health and Care Bill receiving Royal assent and a ‘growing recognition’ that the advertising industry needs more time to prepare.
A consultation on TV and paid-for-adverts online is set to be launched by the Department of Health and Social Care in the coming weeks.
“Economies across the world have been affected by higher than expected global energy and goods prices, leading to increased costs across supply chains which are affecting both businesses and consumers,” said the Department of Health and Social Care.
“The delay to restrictions on multi-buy deals will allow the government to review and monitor the impact of the restrictions on the cost of living in light of an unprecedented global economic situation.”
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As for the restrictions on the placement of less healthy products, a ‘key part’ of the government’s commitment to reduce obesity levels, these plans will still go ahead as planned in October 2022.
“We’re committed to doing everything we can to help people live healthier lives,” Public Health Minister Maggie Throup said.
“Pausing restrictions on deals like buy-one-get-one-free will allow us to understand its impact on consumers in light of an unprecedented global economic situation.”
Tackling unhealthy foods and obesity remains a priority for the government, and will reduce the pressure put on the NHS as it works to tackle the Covid-19 backlogs.
Media, Data and Digital Minister Julia Lopez added: “We are determined to tackle childhood obesity and are working hard to improve young people’s health, including by investing £550 million of government and lottery cash to level up access to sport and physical activity right across the country.”
“We have listened to the concerns which have been raised and will not be bringing in restrictions on junk food advertising until confident that the time is right.”
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