Government consultation explores banning meal deals to curb obesity

Charlie Herbert

The proposals have been criticised by industry bodies

A ban on supermarket meal deals could be considered in Wales under new government proposals to tackle obesity.

A Welsh Government consultation document exploring how to make the “food environment in Wales healthier” was published in June 2022 with several proposals on how to promote healthy eating.

One of the proposals being considered is the banning of “meal deal” offers, where products are cheaper if purchased together.

Other things that could be considered are the banning of multi-buy offers and reducing the price of certain foods.

The consultation process came to an end in September last year, but no plans have been put in place yet.

Similar plans have also been put forward in England.

The Welsh Retail Consortium has since written to ministers to voice their disagreement with than plans, saying they would have a “disproportionate” impact on food producers, reduce choice and increase food prices.

Sara Jones, head of the consortium, told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast that, whilst members could be prepared to support proposals such as multi-buy bans, others were a step too far, in particular the suggestions of banning meal deals and seasonal promotions.

“We do understand the real importance of the government trying to tackle obesity and support public health,” she said.

“People like myself, a busy mum of two, I am looking for a quick lunch option. I’m not going to over-consume because of those purchasing decisions and by banning those it will just lead to restrictions in terms of availability and affordability in terms of the consumer,” she added.

She explained that promotions allow competition between retailers to attract customers, which helps keep prices down.

“With inflation running at a 18-year high it would be regressive and irresponsible to put up costs in this manner with no evidence at this time that it would significantly improve public health,” she said.

Meanwhile, James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, told the BBC that the proposed rules were “unnecessarily inconsistent” with those already agreed in England.

He said this would put “additional pressure on retailers to start from scratch on store layouts at the cost of thousands of pounds”

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “We have been discussing these with industry representatives and have consulted widely. We are considering the next steps on price promotions and locations.

“The cost of living crisis will be given careful consideration in our decision making, alongside the significant impact obesity has on people’s health. Any specific measures will be designed to promote healthier foods and reduce health inequalities and premature deaths.”

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