FREE drink refills could be banned at restaurants like Nandos and Five Guys in Wales by next year.
The bottomless drink option could soon face a huge shake-up as plans are propsed in a bid to tackle obesity.
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Health Secretary Eluned Morgan has launched a consultation to “help people make the healthy choice the easiest choice” by limiting “promotions of food products high in fat, sugar and salt”.
Foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS), such as crips, fizzy drinks and biscuits can lead to an increased risk of obesity and heart disease.
The new proposals, which also affect cafes, would stop shop owners from putting on cost-slashing offers, such as buy one get one free, on unhealthy food.
A Welsh government spokesperson said it wanted to support people in Wales to make “healthy” and “easy choices when it comes to food shopping and eating out.”
In an attempt to restrict unnecessary intake of unhealthy items, the new legislation would also mean shoppers no longer the snacks on offer near any entry point or checkout.
This will also apply to online food websites including on entry pages, shopping baskets and payment pages.
The Welsh government said unhealthy food products are advertised more than healthier products, which encourages people to buy them.
“This proposed legislation is part of a broad range of approaches, both voluntary and regulatory, that we are considering to encourage the food and retail sector to produce, promote and sell healthier food and drink,” the Welsh government spokesperson told the BBC.
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The new policy would not apply to schools, social care settings, specialist restaurants and restaurants and cafes with 48 staff members or less.
The deadline date for consultation feedback is midnight on 23 September 23.
If the proposals are approved by the Senedd (the Welsh government) it will come into force in 2025.
‘Fundamentally wrong’
A British Tory Cabinet Minister slammed the decision to hurt families in a cost-of-living crisis.
Sam Rowlands, Welsh Conservative shadow health minister, called the proposal “over the top” and will “exacerbate the cost of living for the poorest in society”.
“While healthy eating is important, the Welsh Conservatives believe that you have a right to decide what you eat and drink. Clearly Labour do not,” he added.
Last year, the Welsh Government announced plans to restrict meal deals with high fat, sugar or salt content by 2025.
At the time, retailers raised concerns as food prices remain high and an eating disorder charity says it could be detrimental to those in recovery.
Plans to ban two-for-one junk food deals were delayed by the UK government until at least 2025.
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Around a quarter of English adults are obese, with a further 38 per cent overweight but not obese.
Childhood obesity is a significant public health problem.
In England and Wales, around a quarter of all school-age children are overweight or obese.
Obesity is linked with a range of deadly conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and various forms of cancer.
The NHS recommends Brits do around 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise like walking a week to keep in shape.
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Tips to help your child reach a healthier weight
MAKING changes to their diet and activity levels can help them reach a healthy weight.
Here are some ways you can work with your child to improve their weight:
- Get active every day
- Use rewards such as stickers or high fives when they reach their weight goals
- Try to give them a healthy, balanced diet that includes fruit and vegetables, starchy foods, protein and dairy or dairy alternatives
- Set realistic targets and involve your child in deciding what changes they can make
- Encourage a healthy attitude to eating
- Help them get enough sleep
Source: NHS
