Rules to ban multi-buy deals on items high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS) – including buy one get one free deals – have been delayed by another two years until October 2025.

It was already delayed until October 2023 due to the “unprecedented global economic situation”, which has seen higher than expected energy and goods prices, leading to increased costs across supply chains.

‘Not fair to restrict shopping options’

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said: “I firmly believe in people’s right to choose – and at a time when household budgets are under continuing pressure from the global rise in food prices, it is not fair for Government to restrict the options available to consumers on their weekly shop.

“It is right that we consider carefully the impact on consumers and businesses, while ensuring we’re striking the balance with our important mission to reduce obesity and help people live healthier lives.”

Health and social care secretary, Steve Barclay, said: “With families facing rising food prices and cost-of-living pressures, it is right that we delay the implementation of these restrictions so as to support businesses and allow them to focus on making food more affordable for families.”

Tackling obesity

The Government added that it “remains committed to cutting waiting lists” by tackling obesity which costs the NHS around £6.5bn a year and is the second biggest cause of cancer.

Elsewhere, it is introducing calorie labelling on menus, which is expected to bring health benefits of £4.6bn and provide NHS savings of £430m.

Restrictions on the location of unhealthy foods in shops is also expected to bring health benefits of over £57bn and provide NHS savings of over £4bn over the next 25 years.

Meanwhile, the Soft Drinks Industry Levy has seen the average sugar content of drinks decrease by 46% between 2015 and 2020.

In May 2022, supermarket giant Tesco confirmed it will continue with its plans to remove multi-buy offers on unhealthy food products despite the Government’s delay on the policy.