Mandatory calorie counts on menus being reconsidered by Government

Measures that could also include curbs on fast food marketing, with a possible ban on TV advertising before 9pm, are also being considered as part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s new anti-obesity drive.

A consultation on putting calorie labels on alcoholic drinks could be launched, while prominent labelling of retail food and drinks with high levels of sugar or salt is also under consideration, according to a report in the Financial Times​​.

Johnson is reported to have had a change of heart after contracting coronavirus, believing he fell particularly ill because he was overweight. “We will be happier, fitter and more resistant to diseases like covid if we can tackle obesity,” he told the newspaper.

Rejecting a new round of sugar taxes, the strategy will focus on “helping people make better choices” and improving healthy living.

Fast food is already subject to restrictions on TV, though this limits advertising directly to children, rather than outright banning it.

Industry sources told the FT there was insufficient evidence that fast food advertising caused obesity.

The Government launched a consultation on mandating calorie labelling in restaurants back in September 2018, however it is currently not mandatory for restaurants to display the calorie content of their dishes.