Government eyes stricter supermarket promo rules, risking price hikes on everyday foods

The UK government is considering an update to the nutrient-profiling system that decides which foods are labelled less healthy, replacing the 2004 model with a newer 2018 version. This could bring staple items such as bran flakes, Shreddies, fruit yoghurts and sugar-free fruit drinks into the high-fat-sugar-salt (HFSS) category, extending the ban on multibuy promotions. As a result, shoppers might see price hikes, for example a three-for-£6 Quaker Golden Syrup porridge deal at Asda could rise to £11.25, orange juice offers could increase from £5 to £6, and Shreddies packs from £5 to £7.

The government says one outlet model is outdated and that tackling childhood obesity, which costs the NHS about £9.3 billion a year, is a priority. Food industry voices, including Kate Halliwell of the Food and Drink Federation, warn the changes could penalise whole-grain cereals and fruit yoghurts and strain retailers already facing high input costs. The proposals are still under consultation.