PM supports the public’s choice by postponing BOGOF restrictions.

The government has confirmed that the prohibition on multibuy offers for foods and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar—including buy one get one free deals—will be postponed for another two years until October 2025.

Initially, this policy was already delayed until October 2023, and now it will be extended to permit ongoing assessments of the impact of these restrictions on consumers and businesses, given the current global economic challenges.

Global economies have been strained by unexpected surges in energy and goods prices, resulting in heightened costs throughout supply chains.

The extension allows shoppers to keep benefiting from multibuy deals on all food items.

Ministras pirmininkas Riši Sunakas pareiškė:

I firmly believe in individuals’ right to make choices. With household budgets exacerbated by the worldwide increase in food prices, it’s unfair for the government to limit consumers’ options during their weekly shopping.

It’s essential we carefully evaluate the effects on both consumers and businesses while balancing our significant goal of reducing obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay remarked:

Given the rising food costs and cost-of-living challenges families are facing, it’s appropriate to postpone these restrictions to assist businesses and help them prioritize affordability for families.

We remain dedicated to reducing waiting lists by addressing obesity, which imposes approximately £6.5 billion in costs on the NHS annually and is the second leading cause of cancer. We are already taking action, including initiating trials for the latest anti-obesity medications.

Combating obesity continues to be a governmental priority, aiding in alleviating the strain on the NHS while addressing COVID-19 backlogs.

This month, the government also announced the launch of a new class of obesity medications aimed at assisting individuals in losing weight and easing hospital pressure.

This adds to further initiatives, including:

• Implementing calorie labeling on menus, projected to yield health benefits of £4.6 billion and save the NHS £430 million
• Enforcing restrictions on the placement of unhealthy foods in stores, estimated to deliver health benefits exceeding £57 billion and NHS savings of over £4 billion over the next 25 years
• Introducing the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, which has resulted in a 46 percent reduction in the average sugar content of beverages from 2015 to 2020
• Investment to enhance school sports to ensure that children and young people have an active start to life.