Liz Truss could end junk food crackdown in Tory U-turn on obesity fight

The new prime minister declared 'these taxes are over' in her Tory leadership campaign - and the Treasury has now launched a policy review that would go up to the sugar tax

Liz Truss with her Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt and Health Secretary Therese Coffey (

Image: UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Imag)

Liz Truss could ditch the junk food crackdown in a Tory U-turn that activists say would be a 'kick in the teeth'.

The Treasury has commissioned an "internal summary" of its anti-obesity measures in a bid to cut red tape amid the cost of living crisis.

While the timing and scope are being kept secret, it is understood that this decision could result in the cancellation or revocation of junk food policies.

It is likely to look at the pledge to end supermarket 'buy one, get one free' and '3 for 2' offers on unhealthy food and drink in October 2023 - already delayed a year thanks to Boris Johnson.

It could also revisit a January 2024 ban on junk food ads on TV before the 9 p.m. watershed and online, which has also already been delayed.

The review could go further and lead Tory ministers to reverse fat-busting measures already in place, such as menu calorie counts and the 2018 sugar tax.

A major crackdown on unhealthy food was looming but was delayed in May (

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SWNS)

Restrictions on putting products high in fat, salt or sugar at checkouts, at entrances and at the end of aisles were also due to come into effect in October.

The Obesity Health Alliance told the Guardian that removing the obesity crackdown would be "a kick in the teeth", adding: "We are deeply concerned.

"It would be unwise to waste government and corporate time and money rolling back these evidence-based obesity policies that are already in place."

A government source said “it is right that we continue to monitor the impact of restrictions on the cost of living” in an unprecedented global economic situation.