In September last year, the government pledged to bring the bill forward before the end of this parliament in an attempt to address the obesity problem in Scotland.

Food retailers welcomed the move which they said would have had a “devastating economic impact” on small businesses. 

Obesity campaigners said the decision was “disappointing”.

Lorraine Tulloch, programme lead of Obesity Action Scotland said: “This is disappointing news. While I understand that the food environment in Scotland has changed radically during the pandemic it has also become increasingly clear that people with obesity have had much worse outcomes from COVID-19, with an increased risk of being admitted to intensive care and of dying.

“If we want to secure the health, resilience and longevity of the people of Scotland then tackling overweight and obesity must be a priority. Obesity Action Scotland called on Scottish government to redouble its efforts to tackle obesity in the recovery phase and this step will hold up progress. I would urge the Scottish government to re-introduce this measure as soon as possible.”

Cancer prevention expert Professor Linda Bauld, of Edinburgh University, said obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer and called on the government to bring the bill back.

She said: “Junk food price promotions encourage shoppers to stock up on unhealthy items so it’s vital we see progress to restrict these harmful offers.

“One of the consequences of lockdown has also been that some people are eating more and moving less. There’s also worrying evidence that suggests that COVID-19 affects those who are obese more severely.

“The Bill on Restricting Foods Promotions is an opportunity for Scotland to be bold and become a world leader on improving public health. The Scottish government must now set out a firm commitment and clear timeline for when things will get back on track.”

In response to a parliamentary question from George Adam MSP, on when the bill would be introduced to Holyrood, public health minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “We are no longer planning to introduce the Restricting Foods Promotions Bill in this Parliament. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact, including on the food and drink and retail industries and on consumer behaviour. It is not yet clear what its long term impact will be. It is important we understand this fully and that we assess the economic and equality impacts of our proposed measures post-pandemic.”