The Scottish National Party have been mocked for adding porridge to their list of junk foods banned from supermarket promotions.
SNP politicians caused uproar when the traditional Scottish dish was added to the list under plans to cut promotions on unhealthy foods.
It was listed alongside sugary cereals, soft drinks, cakes and ice cream. The government has since clarified that only processed foods using porridge oats would be included.
Critics have told ministers that they should be urging Scots to eat more porridge oats rather than trying to cut consumption.
The ban could see cuts on multi-buy promotions and restricting where they can be put in the supermarket.
TV chef Nick Nairn told The Sun: “Porridge oats is exactly the sort of food we should all be eating as it’s a slow release carbohydrate.
He said: “We’ve been saying for years that if you have a bowl of porridge in the morning then you will go to work or school fully nourished.”
Scottish Tory deputy health spokesperson Tess White added: “There is a huge irony in the SNP – who never tire about standing up for Scotland – turning their back on one of our iconic products in an apparent junk food crackdown.
“Rather than going after porridge and those who enjoy the benefits it brings, they should go back to the drawing board and work out proper ways of promoting a healthy lifestyle among Scots.”
Later a Government spokesman said: “Plain porridge oats would be determined as non-HFSS [high fat, salt, sugar], so they would not be subject to any restrictions on promotion.
“The same applies to all food categories that are not high in fat, sugar or salt. This consultation is about restrictions on the promotion of food and drink high in fat, sugar and salt to improve public health in Scotland, and all views are welcome.”
The proposals would also see junk food banned from prominent positions at checkouts to reduce impulse purchases.
Similar rules, excluding meal deals, were due to come into force in England last year but have been postponed until 2025.
