Expert consensus for regulating ‘meal deal’ price promotions in supermarkets: A policy Delphi study in Wales, UK

Abstract Aim Supermarket meal deals offer bundles of items at a discounted price for lunch and dinner, typically including a main meal, drink and other add-on items that are often high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS). This policy Delphi study aimed to assess expert consensus for regulating supermarket meal deals and to consolidate recommendations for legislative approaches. Subject and methods A total of 44 stakeholders with diet, nutrition and obesity-related expertise participated across four consultation rounds. First, three iterations of an online survey explored varying nutritional thresholds and reference guidelines for a nutrient profile (NP) model to regulate item eligibility for promotion. Second, an online panel meeting was used to confirm agreement with policy recommendations including a final vote. Consensus was reached where 70% of stakeholders ‘unanimously’ agreed or disagreed with proposed items in each round. Results For lunch and dinner, mandating an upper limit for the proportion of daily nutrients (energy/kcal, total fat, sugars, salt) provided by a purchased meal, and including minimum fruit or vegetable portions, achieved the strongest consensus (reaching > 90%). Stakeholders identified 30% as the most appropriate proportional limit for lunch (reaching 71%), and consensus indicated that this should be set below 50% of the recommended daily intake for dinner (reaching 71%). Final models proposed a focus on the nutrients to be consumed, rather than excluding specific food groups. Conclusion Policy regulations to inform industry standards should consider the nutritional content of promoted meals in their totality, to better account for the effects of intended portion size on daily intake.