A MAJOR change to meal deals is set to be introduced in parts of the UK – and people won’t be happy.
The much-loved lunchtime option could soon face a huge shake-up as new plans are put in place in a bid to tackle obesity.
STEWART WILLIAMSThe much-loved lunchtime option could soon face a huge change[/caption]
As of next year, the Welsh Government will bring in a new legislation preventing certain foods from being sold as part of the three-piece deal.
Products such as chocolate bars or crisps could face the axe as officials try to push healthier alternatives for snack options.
While nothing has been finalised yet, decisions are set to be made soon with the government making it law by 2025.
A statement from those in charge in Wales stated that meal deals wouldn’t be banned but the “unhealthiest products” could be restricted.
Welsh ministers will also stop price reductions and offers on certain foods – which will see them align with rules in England.
This means any items with high sugary, fat, or salt content will no longer be sold under offers such as buy one get one free.
They will also be removed from any aisles near the checkouts.
Deputy minister for mental health and wellbeing Lynne Neagle said: “This legislation will take forward our commitment to improve diets and help prevent obesity in Wales.
“Whilst similar legislation is also being introduced in England, I am minded to include temporary price reductions and meal deals within our restrictions.
“We will not be banning any product or type of promotion, our aim is to re-balance our food environments towards healthier products, so that the healthy choice becomes the easy choice.
“This is an important part of the jigsaw as part of our Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales strategy as part of a multi-component approach.
“Our next generation deserve a different ‘normal’ where healthier foods are more available, affordable and appealing, and high fat, sugar and salt foods are not a core part of our diet.
“Our current and future generations deserve better.”
Research found eating a meal deal every day could see you pile on an extra three stone a year.
Gemma Roberts, Co-Chair of Obesity Alliance Cymru, said Wales is having a weight crisis and fruit and veg should be more affordable.
She said: “There is an obesity crisis in Wales, and we are pleased to see the Welsh Government proposing legislation which will support the people of Wales to make healthy choices.
“Price promotions are marketing techniques used to drive sales and increase consumption.
“They are not free gifts and they do not save us money.
“We are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, and consumers are being bombarded with price promotions which increase spending on the unhealthiest products.
“Wales needs to shift the balance and support families to make buying fruit and veg easier.”
A British Tory Cabinet Minister slammed the decision to hurt families in a cost of living crisis.
Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said: “It is both fundamentally wrong for Labour to restrict access to affordable food during cost-of-living pressures and for them to decide what they deem to be acceptable food that we can enjoy.
“Greater action is needed to tackle obesity, but the way to do that is to educate and advise on healthy eating, not imposing harsh rules that will hit society.”