Closed petition PE2003: Prohibit reward systems in fast food chains
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to stop fast food chains from promoting unhealthy food choices by banning the use of reward systems.
Previous action taken
I contacted the Scottish Government on 22/08/22 and received a response on 14/09/22 from the Diet and Healthy Weight Unit. In the letter I was told Scottish Ministers are keen to address the issue but this is dependent “to a large extent on whether powers are devolved to the Scottish Parliament or reserved to Westminster” I have not had any correspondence since and no action has been taken.
Background information
Fast food chains are “rewarding” customers with points for every food/drink item they purchase. Customers can then exchange these points for more unhealthy items. These meals are known to have zero nutritional value, so this is simply boosting the restaurant’s profits whilst adding to the nation’s health crisis, especially young people.
Soft Drinks Industry Levy was introduced to help reduce the nations sugar consumption, meaning everyone was penalised in an attempt to reduce the nations waistline.
There are proposed tighter rules around the advertising of food and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt but the UK Government has decided to delay their implementation of these until 01/01/24.
In 2019, 66% of adults aged 16+ were overweight, including 29% who were obese.
Our future generations are growing up obese because they are lured in with these absurd promotions. Our NHS which has been pushed to its limits, has to deal with chronic health conditions that arise from poor diet and obesity.
This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament
22 signatures