Government announces strict new rules for supermarkets in the UK

New rules have been announced to reduce obesity levels in the UK, which will affect most of the UK’s major supermarkets including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Lidl and Sainsbury’s.

The plans announced by the government include a reduction in the number of food and drinks offers available to shoppers, and will be put in place from April 2022. 

Offers and promotion on foods that are considered ‘unhealthy’ will be restricted under the new plans to tackle Britain’s obesity crisis.

Most big names such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Lidl and Morrisons will all have to adapt to the new rules next year, which include changes to store layouts to abide by government legislation. 

Some of the country’s most popular promotions such as multibuys and ‘buy one get one free’ will also be affected by the new rules, while promotions on unhealthy foods at prominent places such as checkouts and store entrances will be stopped.

However, the rules will only impact businesses which employ more than 50 people and with stores larger than 20,000 square feet. 

The restrictions will be placed on foods high in fat, salt or sugar – including cakes, crisps, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, pizzas and ready meals.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), evidence shows that while people think they are saving money they actually end up buying more than they need or desire.

The restrictions will also be placed on promotions like ‘three for two’ as well as bans on free refills of sugary drinks while dining out.

The changes have been welcomed by health campaigners, with the chair of the Action on Sugar charity, Professor Graham MacGregor, describing it as an ‘important policy’ that will provide a level playing field for responsible retailers, allowing them to promote healthier alternatives.

He added: “Finally, Downing Street is acting decisively with a bold first step to restrict the sale of junk food on multi-buy offers and at checkouts, and taking on one of the biggest threats to Britain’s future health – childhood obesity.” 

There is an eight-week consultation on the plans currently taking place.