A Scottish Government consultation on plans aimed at reducing obesity has been welcomed by charities
Measures which could see restrictions placed on soft drink sizes and free prawn crackers banned have been put out to consultation.
The Scottish Government is consulting on restricting the in-store marketing and promotion of foods high in fat, sugar or salt, with little or no nutritional benefit.
The plans, which are part of a strategy to tackle Scotland’s obesity crisis, have been welcomed by Cancer Research UK and Food Standards Scotland.
Following on from a government report published in July, the consultation proposes sweeping curbs on the promotion and marketing of foods of “little or no nutritional benefit”.
These are identified as confectionery, crisps, cakes, pastries, puddings, sweet biscuits, soft drinks with added sugar and savoury foods, including prawn crackers and poppadoms.
Cancer Research UK has been leading the calls for a clamp down on junk food promotions.
The charity's prevention expert, Professor Linda Bauld, said: "Junk food multi-buy offers encourage us to bulk buy and eat large quantities of unhealthy food, the consequences of which have become all too obvious in the nation's growing waistlines.
"The introduction of laws to curb bargain buys for food and drink high in fat and sugar would be an effective way of helping people make healthier choices."
Ross Finnie, chair of Food Standards Scotland, said: “Promotions of these foods encourage us to buy and eat more calories, fat and sugar than we want or need. It’s time for action to be taken to address Scotland’s unhealthy snacking culture by shifting the weight of promotions towards healthier options.”
Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “Eating a poor diet and being overweight or obese causes serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease, and it is clear that we must take decisive action.
“Restricting the in-store promotion and marketing of food high in fat, sugar or salt is crucial to tackling our nation’s damaging relationship with junk food.”
