In May 2022 government plans to delay their restrictions on multibuy foods (due to the cost of living crisis) until October 2023. But, in an interview with the Daily Mail Liz Truss MP and conservative party leadership candidate said, if elected, she would scrap the plans all together.

Explaining her reasoning Liss said, “What people want the government to be doing is delivering good roads, good rail services, making sure there’s broadband, making sure there’s mobile phone coverage, cutting the NHS waiting lists, helping people get a GP appointment.

“They don’t want the Government telling them what to eat.”

The government's plans will ban “multibuy deals on foods and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS) – including buy one get one free (BOGOF), ‘3 for 2’, and restrictions on free refills for soft drinks” in order to promote healthy alternatives.

The effect of HFSS foods on oral health is well documented, and therefore could have a positive effect on oral health across the population.

But for families already struggling with the cost of living, this could be another blow to their wallets, as healthy options such as fruit and vegetables are up to three times more expensive than processed foods.

In the interim the government has pledged to ensure “Shoppers will now be able to continue taking advantage of multibuy offers on all foods, including healthier foods which were not included in the original restrictions.”

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