Question reference: S5W-26750
- Asked by: Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 18 December 2019
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Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 8 January 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how the evidence cited in Reducing Health Harms of Foods High in Fat, Sugar or Salt: Consultation Paper specifically shows that restricting or banning (a) multi-buys, including meal deals, buy one get one free and three for two offers, (b) free products or free samples, (c) the sale of unlimited amounts for a fixed charge, such as unlimited refills, (d) upselling, (e) physical or electronic coupons, (f) purchase rewards, such as toys, vouchers, loyalty card points, reduced price for another product or competition entry, (g) checkout, end-of-aisle, front of store or island/bin displays and (h) the promotion of value, will result in healthier diets.
Answer
We want to reduce Scotland-level consumption of calories, fat, saturated fat, free sugar and salt. These nutrients are a public health concern because our consumption exceeds our requirement. Saturated fat, free sugars and salt can directly increase the risk of health harms such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and tooth decay. Total fat, saturated fat and free sugars also contribute, indirectly through excess calories, to increasing the risk of gaining weight and therefore to increasing the risk of health harm as a result of overweight or obesity.
Point of purchase triggers lead to purchases that otherwise would not have occurred, or would not have occurred in such volume. By reducing sales of foods high in fat, sugar or salt, we aim to reduce population-level consumption of calories, fat, saturated fat, free sugar and salt and so improve public health.
Evidence for the consultation proposals is cited throughout the consultation paper.
Further detail on the policy will be set out when the Bill is introduced to Parliament and the evidence underpinning it will be set out at appropriate stages of the legislative process.