Food retailers and others in the United Kingdom will face severe restrictions as to how they can market unhealthy foods and beverages, under regulations proposed by the British government.
Under the regulations, supermarkets will be barred from putting sugary snacks or similar products near cash registers, entrances or the ends of aisles. They would also be prohibited from offering buy-one-get-one specials on unhealthy products, whose display will be limited to 2,000 square feet.
In addition, websites will not be able to put purchase links for unhealthy products on homepages or checkout pages, and restaurants will no longer be able to offer free refills of high-calorie drinks.
The restrictions, which would apply to stores with 50 or more employees, are scheduled to go into effect in April 2022. They are part of a pledge by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to improve the nation’s obesity rates. He resolved on this after his bout with COVID-19, which left him feeling that his weight might have added to the seriousness of his condition.
“Creating an environment which helps everyone eat healthier foods more regularly is crucial to improving the health of the nation,” said public health minister Jo Churchill, according to The Guardian.
