The Department of Health (DoH) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have launched a consultation on proposals to limit how HFSS food and drink are promoted and displayed across Northern Ireland.

Obesity is described as a major public health challenge, with 65% of adults living with obesity or excess weight. Being overweight or obese is linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Officials said evidence indicates that tactics such as price-based deals, prominent positioning in stores and other marketing approaches can drive purchases of less healthy products, often displacing healthier options and contributing to obesity.

The measures under consideration would broadly align Northern Ireland with policies already in place in England and Wales, and due to begin in Scotland in October. Options include curbing multibuy offers like 3-for-2 or 2 for £10 on specified products assessed as unhealthy; restricting where such items can be placed in supermarkets and online; and limiting free refills of sugar-sweetened soft drinks.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "Evidence shows us that multibuy offers and positioning of certain unhealthy products in shops significantly increase purchasing of food and drinks which are high in fat, sugar and salt. This can lead to a higher chance of obesity and being overweight, which can in turn increase the risk of serious health conditions. "A key area of focus for me as Health Minister is prevention; to keep people healthy as much as possible. The Healthy Futures Obesity Strategic Framework, my Department’s strategy to tackle the growing obesity crisis, emphasises the importance of creating supportive environments that encourage healthy eating. While we all have a responsibility to look after our own health, these proposed measures aim to create conditions that support individuals in making healthier choices.

"I encourage stakeholders and wider public to take part in this consultation and share your views to help shape the future of health policy in Northern Ireland."

Encouraging people to engage and share their views, Professor Susan Jebb, Chair of the FSA said: "The food system is constantly changing, so we must continue to adapt the way we regulate to protect the public now and in the future. We want to do this in a way that is most effective, so it is vital that we hear from a broad range of voices on these proposals to restrict promotions of products high in fat, salt and sugar and that we learn from experiences in other countries.

"This consultation will be relevant to retailers, both in-store and online, and will also affect out-of-home food businesses, food manufacturers, and local authorities. We also want to hear from public health organisations, consumer advocacy bodies and the general public about how they want us to act to shape the food environment. Please take the opportunity to share your views."

Responses can be submitted via the online questionnaire at: www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-restricting-promotions-products-high-fat-sugar-and-salt-hfss