BARMY plans to ban buy one get one free deals on junk food have been ditched in a huge victory for The Sun.
Nanny state proposals to make it illegal to advertise sugary treats on telly before 9pm were also shelved after a massive backlash.
And restrictions on free refills of fizzy drinks have been torn up.
The move is the first major announcement to ease the cost of living crisis for struggling families.
Ministers said the plans had been shelved for a year amid growing fears of a global economic slump.
But Government insiders reckon they have been scrapped for good.
Public Health Minister Maggie Throup said: “We’re committed to doing everything we can to help people live healthier lives.
“Pausing restrictions on deals like buy one get one free will allow us to understand its impact on consumers in light of an unprecedented global economic situation.”
Boris Johnson had announced the ban on BOGOF and other deals for food and drink high in fat, salt or sugar as part of his anti-obesity drive.
But critics pointed out it would just clobber Brits in the pocket without helping them lose weight.
The PM is still going ahead with the ban on unhealthy snacks being placed near tills.
Energy price hikes and the war in Ukraine — a major wheat exporter — have sent supermarket prices rocketing.
Chicken could become as expensive as steak, Co-op boss Steve Murrells has warned.
And inflation is set to top 10 per cent by Christmas, the Bank of England said.
Instead, ministers will launch a scheme later this year to offer financial incentives for people to eat better and exercise more.
The Food and Drink Federation’s Chief Scientific Officer, Kate Halliwell, said: “We welcome the UK Government’s pragmatism during the cost of living crisis.”
Source: The Sun
