The Scottish Government has delayed plans to clamp down on multi-buy promotions

Plans to restrict the sale of junk food in Scotland have been shelved for now.

The Scottish Government had been planning to introduce new legislation which would ban multi-buy offers and remove junk food displays from checkouts.

However it was revealed this week that the plans have been paused in light of Covid-19.

Joe FitzPatrick, the minister for public health, said: "We remain fully committed to restricting the promotion and marketing of foods high in fat, sugar or salt where they are sold to the public and will seek to progress this measure as soon as it is possible to do so.

"Pausing the introduction of the bill provides us with an opportunity to take stock, take into account the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown, including on people's diet and healthy weight."

Cancer Research UK has been one of the organisations leading the call for restrictions on junk food to improve the nation’s health. Linda Bauld, the charity’s cancer prevention expert, said it is vital that a timeline for the legislation to be introduced is created.

She said: “Junk food price promotions encourage shoppers to stock up on unhealthy items so it’s vital we see progress to restrict these harmful offers.

“Obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer. It’s also the second biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking. Tackling obesity is crucial if we’re to protect the health of future generations.

“One of the consequences of lockdown has also been that some people are eating more and moving less. There’s also worrying evidence that suggests that Covid-19 affects those who are obese more severely.

“The Bill on Restricting Foods Promotions is an opportunity for Scotland to be bold and become a world leader on improving public health. The Scottish Government must now set out a firm commitment and clear timeline for when things will get back on track.”