Northern Ireland considers curbs on junk food deals as public consultation opens
- Love Ballymena
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Inset: Health Minister Mike Nesbitt
Northern Ireland shoppers could soon see fewer multibuy offers on unhealthy food and drinks under proposals aimed at tackling the region’s growing obesity problem.
The Department of Health (DoH) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have launched a public consultation on introducing new restrictions on the promotion and placement of foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS), bringing Northern Ireland into line with measures already in place elsewhere in the UK.
With around 65% of adults in Northern Ireland living with obesity or excess weight, health officials say action is needed to make healthier choices easier and reduce the risk of serious illnesses linked to poor diet.
What could change?
If introduced, the proposals would limit a range of promotions used to encourage shoppers to buy less healthy products.
The measures being considered include:
Restricting multibuy offers such as three-for-two and two for £10 on certain HFSS products.
Limiting where those products can be displayed in supermarkets, including prominent locations such as store entrances, checkouts and online retail pages.
Restricting free refills of sugar-sweetened soft drinks.
Similar rules already apply in England and Wales, while comparable measures are due to come into force in Scotland this October.
Health officials say research shows these marketing techniques can significantly influence purchasing decisions, often leading consumers to buy more products high in fat, sugar and salt instead of healthier alternatives.
Health Minister: Focus must be on prevention
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said tackling obesity remains a major priority for his department.
“Evidence shows us that multibuy offers and positioning of certain unhealthy products in shops significantly increase purchasing of food and drinks which are high in fat, sugar and salt. This can lead to a higher chance of obesity and being overweight, which can in turn increase the risk of serious health conditions.
“A key area of focus for me as Health Minister is prevention; to keep people healthy as much as possible. The Healthy Futures Obesity Strategic Framework, my Department’s strategy to tackle the growing obesity crisis, emphasises the importance of creating supportive environments that encourage healthy eating.
“While we all have a responsibility to look after our own health, these proposed measures aim to create conditions that support individuals in making healthier choices.
“I encourage stakeholders and wider public to take part in this consultation and share your views to help shape the future of health policy in Northern Ireland.”
Public and businesses invited to have their say
The consultation is aimed at a wide range of organisations and individuals, including retailers, food manufacturers, restaurants and takeaway businesses, local authorities, public health organisations, consumer groups and members of the public.
Professor Susan Jebb, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, said it was important that the proposals were informed by a broad range of views.
“The food system is constantly changing, so we must continue to adapt the way we regulate to protect the public now and in the future. We want to do this in a way that is most effective, so it is vital that we hear from a broad range of voices on these proposals to restrict promotions of products high in fat, salt and sugar and that we learn from experiences in other countries.
“This consultation will be relevant to retailers, both in-store and online, and will also affect out-of-home food businesses, food manufacturers, and local authorities. We also want to hear from public health organisations, consumer advocacy bodies and the general public about how they want us to act to shape the food environment. Please take the opportunity to share your views.”
How to take part
The consultation is now open, with responses invited from members of the public as well as organisations across the food sector.
People can submit their views through the Department of Health’s online consultation at:
The feedback will help inform whether the proposed restrictions are introduced in Northern Ireland and how they could operate in practice.