Meal deals to be restricted in Wales to tackle 'obesity crisis'
There will also be restrictions on where products high in fat, sugar or salt can be displayed in shops - despite similar plans for England being put on hold in the face of the cost of living crisis.
Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:00, UK
Unhealthy meal deals are set to be restricted in shops in Wales.
The Welsh government says the aim of the new law, which will be introduced next year, is to "help prevent obesity".
Similar plans for England have been put on hold by the UK government in the face of the cost of living crisis.
The restrictions will be rolled out across Wales by 2025 and will cover multi-buy promotions, such as buy-one-get-one-free and meals deals.
The Welsh government has stressed it is not a ban on meal deals - but they will be restricted in what they can include, with the unhealthiest products excluded.
There will also be restrictions on where products high in fat, sugar or salt can be displayed in shops.
The Welsh government said the new law will not apply to all products high in fat, sugar and salt, but will target those that contribute the most to obesity.
Ministers are still considering whether to introduce further restrictions, such banning the sale of energy drinks to children under the age of 16.
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'Healthy choice becomes the easy choice'
Lynne Neagle, deputy minister for mental health and well-being, said the legislation will "take forward our commitment to improve diets and help prevent obesity in Wales".
"Whilst similar legislation is also being introduced in England, I am minded to include temporary price reductions and meal deals within our restrictions," she added.
"We will not be banning any product or type of promotion, our aim is to rebalance our food environments towards healthier products, so that the healthy choice becomes the easy choice."
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Gemma Roberts, co-chair of Obesity Alliance Cymru, said there was "an obesity crisis in Wales" and the organisation welcomed legislation to help people "make healthy choices".
A consultation in Scotland on restricting promotions of food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt in took place last year.