Sainsbury’s has criticised the government’s decision to delay the ban on buy-one-get-one-free (BOGOF) deals on products high in fat sugar and salt (HFSS).
In a cross-party business and trade committee meeting on 27 June, Sainsbury’s commercial director, Rhian Bartlett, said the supermarket has been left feeling “frustrated” at the government’s backtrack on the two-for-one ban.
“There is a frustration that it has only gone ahead with one element,” said Bartlett. “We have prepared all of our stores for these moves and having only a ban on locations of these products isn’t enough.”
The comments follow the government’s announcement of the postponement of the HFSS BOGOF promotion ban – just days after prime minister Rishi Sunak came under pressure to drop the measures from senior conservative backbenchers.
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In a move of support, campaign groups such as Sustain Alliance have come together to sign an open letter, backing retailers like Sainsbury’s and Tesco and calling upon urgent government action to tackle the issue of HFSS and dangers surrounding childhood obesity.
“We urge you to stand firm despite the government delay,” the letter says. “We call on all retailers to join you, so that when the legislation finally comes into force, you have shown leadership in achieving the transformation we need.
“We will be following the response of the food retail sector closely and remain ready to champion the efforts of those retailers working hardest to achieve healthier in-store experiences for their customers, and a healthier future for our children.”
Sustain children’s food campaigner, Barbara Crowther added: “The prime minister and health secretary need to reconsider their decision to delay the introduction of industry wide regulations.
“We call on every retailer to join Tesco and Sainsbury’s and publicly commit to supporting children’s health by phasing out unhealthy multi-buy deals by October 2023 as originally planned.”
