UK government drops healthy eating push after lobbying by ultra-processed food firms

Exclusive: Guardian investigation reveals guidance for retailers in England changed after campaign by global food firms

Government legal guidance urging retailers in England to offer millions of consumers deals and discounts on minimally processed and nutritious food has been dropped after a lobbying campaign by the world’s biggest ultra-processed food firms, the Guardian can reveal.

Ahead of new regulations banning junk food promotions from October, the Department of Health and Social Care issued advice to thousands of shops, supermarkets, online retailers and other businesses to help them comply with the law.