The Food and Drink Federation Scotland opposes restrictions on promotions of high sugar, salt and saturated fat foods
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) have opposed any restrictions on the promotion of foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat, such as buy one get one free offers, currently being considered by the Scottish Government.
FDF Scotland chief executive officer David Thomson said, "We oppose the restrictions on the use of promotions. Regulation of promotions could unfairly disadvantage different types of food and drink companies and their products. There is real concern amongst our members regarding these proposals. The measures have been created without compelling evidence of their effectiveness. They will affect Scottish businesses disproportionally. Iconic Scottish brands, whose main market is in Scotland, stand to suffer more than their international competitors, with some reporting that up to 60 per cent of their sales would be affected by this legislation."
Graham MacGregor, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Queen Mary University of London and Chairman of Action on Sugar, says "It’s an absolute nonsense that the Food and Drink Federation Scotland is opposing any move to restrict promotions on sales of food high in salt, sugar and fat. Effectively their concern is purely for businesses selling terrible unhealthy food and the penalties that they may incur rather than putting the health of their home nation first. Theresa May must now follow the lead of the Scottish Government by creating a new diet and obesity strategy which includes mandatory restrictions on price promotion of such products."
