Image source, Getty ImagesBySimon Jack, Business editor and Emma Simpson, Business correspondentPublished19 May 2026 UK supermarkets are being urged by the government to limit food prices in return for easing regulations, the BBC understands. It is thought the policy would be voluntary and apply to key groceries – such as eggs, bread, and milk – according to retail industry sources with knowledge of the plans. It is understood the Treasury had asked retailers to freeze price rises on certain products in exchange for an easing of packaging policies and a potential delay to rule changes around healthy food. The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents supermarkets, said the policy would "force retailers to sell goods at a loss". A Treasury spokesperson said it "will set out more detail in due course". "We want to do more to help keep costs down for families," the spokesperson added.
Published: May 19, 2026 4:24 pm
Source: BBC — Read original