Sainsbury’s has criticised the government’s decision to scrap the ban on HFSS multibuy promotions, as the retailer warns it could fail to tackle the obesity crisis.
As revealed by The Grocer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco have vowed to continue with a self-imposed ban on HFSS bogofs and other multibuy deals for unhealthy products.
Yesterday, commercial director for Sainsbury’s Rhian Bartlett told MPs on the cross-party Business and Trade Committee that the supermarket had been left feeling “frustrated” at the government’s backtracking on the new rules.
Earlier this month, buy-one-get-one-free (BOGOF) deals were facing being axed by the government as PM Rishi Sunak received pressure from backbenchers to extend their current legislation.
“There is a frustration that it has only gone ahead with one element,” said Bartlett.
“We have prepared all of our stores for these moves and having only a ban on locations of these products isn’t enough.”
Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning
It follows a previous decision by the government to postpone HFSS food promotions until at least October 2025, the new date set for its multibuy ban.
Campaign groups including Sustain, Diabetes UK and the Obesity Health Alliance have now written an open letter to all UK food retailers urging them to follow the lead taken by Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
“We urge you to stand firm despite the government delay,” the letter said.
“We call on all retailers to join you, so that when the legislation finally comes into force, you have shown leadership in achieving the transformation we need.
“We will be following the response of the food retail sector closely and remain ready to champion the efforts of those retailers working hardest to achieve healthier in-store experiences for their customers, and a healthier future for our children.”
