Labour plans fresh supermarket deals ban that could hike prices by up to 65%
Supermarket deals on items like bran flakes, porridge and fruit juice are set to be banned as nanny-state ministers tighten barmy rules on “less healthy” food.
TL;DR
- Government plans to ban supermarket deals on items deemed 'less healthy', potentially increasing prices by up to 65%.
- The new rules would update existing criteria for 'less healthy' foods using a 2018 model instead of the 2004 one.
- Affected items could include cornflakes, All-Bran, malt loaf, reduced-sugar custard, fruit yoghurts, and sugar-free water.
- Critics, including economists and industry representatives, argue the move is 'petty and vindictive' and will increase food costs without improving public health.
- The government states the proposals are aimed at tackling obesity and encouraging healthier choices, citing rising rates of childhood overweightness and the cost of obesity to the NHS.
- The food industry faces rising costs due to inflation, energy prices, wars in Iran and Ukraine, heatwaves, and packaging costs.