Under the proposals, supermarkets will be required to promote fruit and vegetables rather than crisps and chocolate, using new nudge tactics to convince shoppers to make healthier decisions during their weekly shop.
The shopping policy will mean the biggest retailers will be required to record data showing how successful they are at nudging shoppers to swap potatoes for sweet potatoes, white bread for wholemeal and full-fat yoghurts for low-fat alternatives.
Supermarkets have the ability to reformulate own-brand products into healthier options, and alter signage and marketing to increase promotion of nutritious foods, policymakers believe.
Example shopping lists taken from Nesta’s report
It forms part of the Health Secretary’s push to move health from treatment to prevention, with the public being encouraged to make healthier decisions when it comes to their lifestyles.
Officials believe the supermarket policy could mean the average shopping basket could contain 80 calories less per person per day if implemented properly.
As part of the plans, supermarkets will be required to carry out mandatory reporting, showing how they will encourage shoppers to choose healthier products set against targets they will be expected to meet.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting will unveil his 10-year plan for the NHS next week (Photo: Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu/Getty)
The plans are based on a 10-year obesity blueprint developed by the think tank Nesta.
“By implementing ambitious yet achievable mandatory health targets for retailers, we can make real progress towards these goals and start turning the tide on obesity once and for all.”
Under Nesta’s original blueprint, it suggested banning price promotions on junk food.
One Labour MP, who has championed the policy, said: “These are really simple things that you can change, and it may mean giving supermarkets a bit of a hit. But it’s how you get people to make changes to their behaviour.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said in response to the plans: “We don’t comment on speculation or leaks.
“Our 10-Year Health Plan will set out how we will deliver the fundamental reform required to rebuild the NHS.”
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Supermarkets to be forced to make shoppers avoid junk food under Wes Streeting plans )
Also on site :