FREE drink refills could be banned at restaurants like Nandos and Five Guys in Wales by next year. The bottomless drink option could soon face a huge shake-up as plans are proposed in a bid to tackle obesity. Health Secretary Eluned Morgan has launched a consultation to "help people make the healthy choice the easiest choice" by limiting "promotions of food products high in fat, sugar and salt".
Foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS), such as crips, fizzy drinks and biscuits can lead to an increased risk of obesity and heart disease. The new proposals , which also affect cafes, would stop shop owners from putting on cost-slashing offers, such as buy one get one free, on unhealthy food. A Welsh government spokesperson said it wanted to support people in Wales to make "healthy" and "easy choices when it comes to food shopping and eating out".
In an attempt to restrict unnecessary intake of unhealthy items , the new legislation would also mean shoppers no longer the snacks on offer near any entry point or checkout. This will also apply to online food websites including on entry pages, shopping baskets and payment pages. The Welsh government said unhealthy food products are advertised more than healthier products, which encourages people to buy them.
"This proposed legislation is part of a broad range of approaches, both voluntary and regulatory, that we are considering to encourage the food and retail sector to produce, promote and sell healthier food and drink," the Welsh gov.
