Delay to junk food ads ban could ‘blow a hole’ in UK obesity strategy

The Department of Health and Social Care says the ban on multibuy promotions would now come into effect in October 2023. Photograph: Johnny Greig/Alamy

The decision to delay a ban on supermarket offers, including “buy-one-get-one-free” deals on junk food, could “blow a hole” in the government’s obesity strategy, a former health minister has warned.

Amid rising concern about food costs, it emerged on Friday that the government will delay a ban on multibuy deals for foods deemed unhealthy or fattening. It will also pause plans to ban pre-watershed TV advertising for foods high in fat, salt or sugar.