DON'T SCOFF ..THERE IS A PLAN TO BAN MEAL DEALS

Crackdown on high fat and high sugar foods at checkouts

- CHRIS McCALL

SUPERMARKETS could be banned from selling meal deals and restaurants prevented from offering free drinks refills under plans being considered by SNP ministers.

A proposed crackdown on the promotion of products high in salt, sugar or fat could also see restrictions on what items can be sold next to checkouts.

The public consultation launched yesterday threatens to put the Scottish Government on another collision course with retailers.

Feedback from businesses will influence future legislation on how to boost healthy eating among Scots.

Public health minister Jenni Minto insisted the government was "committed to restricting promotions of foods high in fat, sugar or salt at the point of purchase".

"Improving health and supporting people to eat well and have a healthy weight is a public health priority," she said.