Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
636. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding multibuy promotions and their effects on obesity levels here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31295/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland agenda. The OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. The Plan recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. The OPAP is based on the best available evidence in the Irish and international literature, and is informed by established international models and frameworks.
Products that are the subject of multibuy promotions are often high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS). In relation to measures under the OPAP dealing with the level of consumption of such products, the Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax has already been introduced and commenced on 1st May 2018. The current focus in this area is on putting in place a reformulation programme for HFSS food and drink. To this end the Reformulation sub-group of the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group (OPIOG) has been working on a roadmap for reformulation, including targets for reductions in salt, sugar, saturated fats and calories, and a proposed approach to achieve these targets. The roadmap also recognises the importance of portion size reduction in reducing consumption levels. It is expected that a report with the targets and final version of the roadmap will be submitted before the end of 2020.
Also under the OPAP, new Healthy Eating Guidelines and a Food Pyramid have been produced, disseminated and communicated, in order to assist with eating a healthy and balanced diet, and the Pyramid recommends limited consumption of Top Shelf foods such as HFSS items which may be sold in multi-buy promotions or discounts. On 1st October I helped to launch the Healthy Eating Guidelines and associated resources for 1-4 year-olds, which includes a newly designed Children’s Food Pyramid to help people understand what children should be eating and what portion sizes are appropriate for young children.
