URGENT UPDATE: Major UK supermarkets, including Asda, Tesco, Aldi, and Morrisons, are now facing a significant ban that impacts popular grocery items. Effective October 1, 2025, these retailers will no longer be able to offer promotional pricing strategies or multi-purchase deals, such as buy one get one free offers, on select products across England.
This new legislation, which has been under consideration for years, aims to combat rising obesity rates, particularly among children. The Department of Health and Social Care states that these measures are crucial for promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the burden on the NHS, which incurs billions in costs related to health issues stemming from obesity.
Starting January 5, 2025, additional restrictions will prohibit advertising unhealthy food and drinks on television before 9 PM. The ban specifically targets items high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS), which include cakes, crisps, and certain types of fish fingers and pizzas.
A representative from the British Retail Consortium, Andrea Martinez-Inchausti, confirmed that most retailers are already compliant with these guidelines, emphasizing that there will not be a major shift for many businesses. “Food retailers are supporting their customers to make healthier choices through better calorie labelling, reformulation of products, and portion control,” she stated.
Recent government data reveals alarming statistics: approximately 64% of adults aged 18 and above in England were classified as overweight or living with obesity during the period of 2022 to 2023. Additionally, reports from September 2024 indicated that around 1 in 8 children aged between two and ten were classified as obese.
With these new regulations set to take effect, consumers and retailers alike are urged to adapt to the changing landscape of grocery shopping in the UK. The implications of these bans will likely ripple through the industry, impacting consumer behavior and public health initiatives.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
