NEWS SPECIAL
OBESITY STRATEGY HFSS FOOD PROMOTIONS AND MARKETING
NEW OBESITY STRATEGY UNVEILED FOR ENGLAND WHILE THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT RECENTLY DECIDED TO PAUSE ITS ‘JUNK FOOD PROMO BAN’, THE UK GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO PRESS AHEAD WITH ITS OBESITY STRATEGY – A MOVE THAT WILL
T
HAVE SEVERE REPERCUSSIONS FOR LOCAL RETAILERS IN ENGLAND.
KEY POINTS
he UK government has unveiled a package of Q Ban on TV and online adverts for foods high in fat, sugar and salt before 9pm measures as part of its new obesity strategy, Q End of deals like BOGOFs on ostensibly to help “get the nation fit and healthy” “unhealthy“ foods high in salt, sugar and “protect themselves against Covid-19 and protect the and fat NHS”. The move, however, is set to have severe repercussions Q Calories to be displayed on menus to for local retailers in England as it will see the end of a help people make healthier choices range of promotional mechanics on products deemed to be when eating out – while alcoholic ‘unhealthy’, generally products that are designated as being drinks could soon have to list hidden high in salt, sugar and fat. “liquid calories” The Government cited the fact that obesity is one of the Q New campaign to help people lose biggest health crises the country faces, with almost twoweight, get active and eat better thirds (63%) of adults in England overweight or living with after Covid-19 ‘wake-up call’ obesity and one-in-three children leaving primary school overweight or obese. The government says obesityrelated illnesses cost the NHS £6bn a year. The measures have been unveiled now, says the The key measures include: government, because “the urgency of tackling the Q Banning unhealthy food ads – obesity time bomb has been brought to the fore new laws will ban the advertising of by evidence of the link to an increased risk from foods high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) Covid-19”. on TV and online before 9pm. Ahead of The package of measures is being launched this, the government will also hold a new alongside a new ‘Better Health’ campaign, led by short consultation on whether the ban Public Health England (PHE), which will call on people on online adverts for HFSS should to embrace a healthier lifestyle and to lose weight if apply at all times of day. they need to, supported by a range of evidenceQ Ending BOGOF based tools and apps providing advice on how promotions – to reduce the waistline. The campaign will new legislation HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE target adults as well as kids. will restrict SECRETARY MATT HANCOCK.
10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 15 / WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY 2020
