The Government is to delay its deliberate ban on two-for-one junk meals offers for an additional two years amid the continued cost of living crisis.

Rishi Sunak will shelve the anticipated measure concentrating on multi-buy promotions on merchandise excessive in fats, sugar or salt (HFSS) to keep away from proscribing shopper choices whereas costs stay excessive. The coverage, which shaped a part of the anti-obesity strategy, had already been pushed again to October 2023 which sparked hypothesis that it might be dropped utterly.

It has now been delayed till October 2025 whereas the Government continues to overview the impression it might have on consumers and companies, Downing Street mentioned. The transfer is more likely to disappoint well being campaigners who've beforehand expressed concern about Government inaction.

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But it was welcomed by the Association of Convenience Stores which mentioned it might assist customers who're “facing enough challenges with inflation without legislation like this further increasing shopping bills”.

The Prime Minister mentioned: “I firmly believe in people’s right to choose – and at a time when household budgets are under continuing pressure from the global rise in food prices, it is not fair for Government to restrict the options available to consumers on their weekly shop.

“It is right that we consider carefully the impact on consumers and businesses, while ensuring we’re striking the balance with our important mission to reduce obesity and help people live healthier lives.”

Health Secretary Steve Barclay insisted the Government stays chopping ready lists by tackling weight problems which prices the NHS round £6.5bn a 12 months and is the second largest reason behind most cancers.  He pointed to the launch of pilots for the most recent anti-obesity medicine as one such measure.

Following the earlier delay of the ban, Barbara Crowther, co-ordinator of the Children’s Food Campaign, mentioned the organisation was “disappointed” whereas superstar chef Jamie Oliver protested exterior Downing Street.

Oliver had criticised the earlier delay to the two-for-one ban and restrictions on junk meals promoting.

"This is a wasted opportunity and it starts to erode the whole obesity strategy - which at some point looked progressive and world leading written down, but is falling apart when it comes to acting on these policies," he mentioned.