New blitz on obesity: MSPs back BAN on “unhealthy” meal deals

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Plans to outlaw deals on junk food in Scotland take a step forward

Holyrood's cross-party health committee has called for a radical clamp down on unhealthy groceries with Scotland now the fattest nation in the UK.

The SNP Government is already considering a ban on "buy one get one free" deals and other multi-buy promotions in supermarkets and shops.

Now MSPs have written to Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell endorsing an embargo with tougher "regulation and fiscal control".

But it puts politicians on collision course with retailers who argue it is unnecessary and will push up prices for hard-pressed consumers.

A crackdown on sugary, salty and fatty foods would be similar to the SNP's 2011 ban on multi-buy promotions of alcoholic drinks and risks a public backlash.

MSPs have also demanded new rules to stop the heavy promotion of unhealthy meals and snacks – or at least give healthier alternatives equal prominence..

The committee's Labour convener Neil Findlay revealed it could draw up its own Bill to tackle the problem.

MSPs cited initiatives to boost walking and cycling and free school meals in the first three years of primary school as good examples of anti-obesity policy.

If we don't act now, we will be condemning future generations to a lifetime of poor health

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Labour convener Neil Findlay

But they warned there was an "inconsistent approach" to implementing and resourcing plans.

Mr Findlay demanded a "bold approach" in the Government's forthcoming obesity strategy.

He said: "We all know obesity is one of the biggest issues impacting on the health of people in Scotland and particularly those living in more deprived areas.

"Scotland has not previously been afraid to take the initiative to tackle health related issues when other interventions have failed.

ALAMY

A group of MSPs have backed the move to tackle obesity

"If we don't act now, we will be condemning future generations to a lifetime of poor health which is often driven by poverty leading to poor dietary choices."

Figures show that two-thirds of adults in Scotland are overweight or obese, and more than a quarter of children are at risk of following in their footsteps.

The statistics are expected to continue to rise and the wave of obesity is estimated to cost nearly £5 billion a year.

But the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), which represents high street chains, supermarkets, and independent stores, said firms had already taken "significant action" to offer healthy options.

Director David Lonsdale said: "Grocery retailers have invested heavily in the display of products and clear labelling to give Scots the very best information when making choices over what to buy.

"We are far from persuaded that the focus of public policy should be on pushing up prices for customers, particularly at a time where household budgets are under pressure due to rising inflation and with higher council tax and increases in statutory employee pension contributions in the pipeline."

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xperts previously told MSPs "unpopular" decisions such as banning cars from town centres or increasing parking charges could force Scots to be more active.

In his letter Mr Findlay said: "We support a bold approach to the new obesity strategy and would encourage you to include options that may initially be unpopular as this could result in an important step towards balancing out health inequalities in Scotland."

Scottish Tory public health spokesman Miles Briggs said it was clear "we must act now" on the obesity crisis.

He added: "There are a variety of measures that could be considered, including potentially some forms of government intervention. "However, the Scottish Conservatives have long emphasised that what we really need is to encourage an active lifestyle amongst the whole population."

Ms Campbell repeated previous calls on the UK Government to ban junk-food advertising before the 9pm watershed and confirmed the SNP was considering what further action it could take, including on the use of multi-buy promotions. "

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Holyrood's health committee has called for a radical clamp down on unhealthy food

She added: "We have announced our intention to set out and consult on the development of our new diet and obesity strategy this year, building on our wide range of activity to make it easier for people – including children and their families – to be more active,

eat less, and eat better.

"The Scottish Government is already investing £12 million over five years to this year on a range of programmes to tackle the nation's poor diet..

"We are also engaging with the food and drink industry on action to offer healthier choices, rebalance promotions, and reformulate products, with a focus on reducing calories, salt, fats and added sugar.

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