Yahoo News 18 everyday food and drink items that may soon be restricted in 'nanny state' Wales
A hit list of 18 snack favourites, including pizza, crisps, cakes, and cereals, could face stricter controls in one 'nanny state', with stores risking a hefty £2,500 fine if they ignore the new rules.
The Welsh Government is on a mission to tackle the nation's bulging waistlines and has put out a call for public opinion on its latest anti-obesity strategy. They're rolling out a raft of potential policies aimed at slashing Wales' obesity rates, and they're eager to hear what the public thinks about these new rules.
On the table are draft regulations that could see the end of tempting buy-one-get-one-free deals and other multibuy offers on junk food. The clampdown doesn't stop there; cafes and restaurants might have to wave goodbye to free refills of sugary drinks, and shops could be banned from luring customers with sweet treats strategically placed at store entrances, aisle ends, and checkouts.
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Health Secretary Eluned Morgan has sounded the alarm, revealing a staggering 60% of Welsh residents are overweight or obese. She's launched a fresh consultation to get the lowdown on how energy drinks are affecting kids, following proposals last year to ban their sale to under-16s.
But not everyone's on board with the proposed health crusade. Sam Rowlands, Tory Senedd Member for North Wales, has blasted the draft regulations as a "nanny state plan" and argues it's not the government's place to dictate dietary choices, especially when it could disproportionately affect those less well-off, reports NorthWalesLive.
The man stated: "I really can't believe that the Welsh Government is considering yet another nanny state plan which will hit people in North Wales in their pockets. This latest consultation is yet another over-the-top regulation and completely uncalled for. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone".
"The Welsh Government, which has been unsuccessfully running the NHS in Wales for over 25 years, should be concentrating their efforts on improving the service, never mind exacerbating the cost of living for the poorest in society. Of course healthy eating is important. But I really believe we all have the right to decide what we eat, drink and buy and decisions like these should not just be foisted upon us."
Obesity contributes to a host of chronic illnesses, from heart disease to type 2 diabetes and depression. It's one of the top challenges confronting the NHS and, with nearly 3m individuals off sick with long-term conditions, it also weighs heavily on the economy.
Ultra-processed foods typically account for 55% of the standard British diet. Despite numerous governments committing to address the issue, the epidemic continues its steep rise.
Many are now pinning their hopes on weight-loss injections such as Ozempic, but detractors argue this merely addresses the symptoms and not the root cause.
Cardiff is set to echo Westminster's crackdown on unhealthy grub with Baroness Morgan spearheading the charge against food and drink high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS). She's adamant that it's high time for a clampdown and this is just the beginning.
"We know that obesity and overweight are associated with many physical and mental health problems across our life course," she declared. "I intend for this to be the first in a package of measures to improve the health of our food environments across Wales and to support the public to live healthier lives."
The proposed rules will target medium and large retailers, those boasting a workforce of 50 or more, but will give a pass to certain social care settings, military bases, and educational institutions. Restaurants (save for the drink refill ban) and specialist shops peddling only one of the items listed below will also dodge the bullet.
The 18 food and drink products facing promotional bans.
Baroness Morgan has laid out plans for the regulations to be put to a vote in the Senedd before the curtain falls on 2024. If the Senedd gives the green light, the new rules would kick in by 2025.
Businesses and enforcers would get a year-long grace period to adapt. This sets the stage for the restrictions to take effect sometime in 2025-26.
