Cancer Research UK is calling for a clear timeline for when legislation designed to tackle junk food price promotions will get back on track after a delay was announced today.

A majority of adults are overweight in Scotland – figures for 2018 show 65% of adults were overweight, including 28% who were obese – and childhood obesity is increasing.

The Bill on Restricting Foods Promotions is intended to allow the limitation of deals on junk food, including multibuy offers like ‘buy one get one free’.

CRUK says the proposals would make Scotland a “world leader” in tackling obesity.

Although some supermarkets have already moved to reduce the amount of high sugar, high fat foods displayed near checkouts, the Bill would have introduced explicit restrictions.

CRUK has called for a “firm commitment” from the Scottish Government on when the legislation will be allowed to progress through parliament.

Last September the Scottish Government committed to introduce the legislation before May 2021.

Professor Linda Bauld, CRUK’s cancer prevention expert based at the University of Edinburgh, 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.

She added: “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.”

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