The huge change coming to supermarkets and high street shops
The Government has announced new sweeping changes which will affect the biggest supermarket stores in the country and many other high street retailers.
From April 2022, offers and promotions on foods that are deemed " unhealthy " will be restricted under plans to tackle Britain's obesity crisis.
Tesco, Sainsbury's, M&S, Asda, Waitrose and Morrisons will all have to adapt to the new rules with store layouts possibly forced to alter to abide by Government legislation.
Some of the country's best loved offers such as "Buy one get one free" promotions and "multibuy" will face new rules, and promotions on other unhealthy foods in prominent places such as at checkouts or store entrances will be stopped - small stores are exempt from the plans aimed at helping the nation lose weight.
The announcement made on Monday, December 28 will affect businesses employing more than 50 people and stores larger than 2,000 square feet.
The restrictions will apply to foods high in fat, salt or sugar - including cakes, crisps, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, pizzas and ready meals.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said evidence shows that while promotions may appear to save shoppers money, they actually encourage people to buy more than they need or desire.
Health campaigners welcomed the move, which as well as restricting promotions like "three for two" offers will also ban free refills of sugary soft drinks when dining out.
Chair of the Action on Sugar charity Professor Graham MacGregor said the "important policy" will provide a level playing field for responsible retailers, allowing them to promote healthier options.
"Finally, Downing Street is acting decisively with a bold first step to restrict the sale of junk food on multi-buy offers and at checkouts, and taking on one of the biggest threats to Britain's future health - childhood obesity," he said.
An eight-week consultation on the plans was launched today.
Tesco, Sainsbury's, M&S, Asda, Waitrose and Morrisons will all have to adapt to the new rules with store layouts possibly forced to alter to abide by Government legislation.
Some of the country's best loved offers such as "Buy one get one free" promotions and "multibuy" will face new rules, and promotions on other unhealthy foods in prominent places such as at checkouts or store entrances will be stopped - small stores are exempt from the plans aimed at helping the nation lose weight.
The announcement made on Monday, December 28 will affect businesses employing more than 50 people and stores larger than 2,000 square feet.
The restrictions will apply to foods high in fat, salt or sugar - including cakes, crisps, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, pizzas and ready meals.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said evidence shows that while promotions may appear to save shoppers money, they actually encourage people to buy more than they need or desire.
Health campaigners welcomed the move, which as well as restricting promotions like "three for two" offers will also ban free refills of sugary soft drinks when dining out.
Chair of the Action on Sugar charity Professor Graham MacGregor said the "important policy" will provide a level playing field for responsible retailers, allowing them to promote healthier options.
"Finally, Downing Street is acting decisively with a bold first step to restrict the sale of junk food on multi-buy offers and at checkouts, and taking on one of the biggest threats to Britain's future health - childhood obesity," he said.
An eight-week consultation on the plans was launched today.
