The Scottish Government has announced plans to bring forward regulations restricting the promotion of food and drink High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) this Autumn, but proposed restrictions on meal deals and temporary price reductions will not go ahead.
The announcement follows a 12-week consultation, which took place last year, and the restrictions in Scotland will align with policy in England and Wales.
The restrictions will affect businesses with 50 or more employees, but symbol groups are not exempt.
The regulations will:
- restrict the promotion of pre-packed food and drink products within targeted HFSS food categories, such as confectionery, cakes, crisps, and sugary soft drinks.
- restrict price promotions of HFSS products, such as multi-buy offers (buy one get one free, two for a pound etc.) and free refills of soft drinks with added sugar
However, meal deals and temporary price reductions (eg 20% off for a defined length of time) are excluded from the proposals.
Stores measuring 2,000sq ft and over will also have to restrict displaying HFSS food and drink in prominent locations as follows:
- checkout areas;
- end of aisles;
- covered external areas; and
- store entrances.
But free standing displays will not be subject to restriction.
The regulations will be supported by guidance to help ensure that all parties understand what is expected of them and their responsibilities for ensuring compliance. The Scottish Government intends there to be a period of 12 months between regulations being laid in Parliament and regulations coming into force to enable industry and local authorities to fully prepare.
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto, said: “We know that over two-thirds of adults in Scotland live with overweight or obesity. Evidence is clear on the effects that diet and obesity have on health. I am pleased to set out action that seeks to improve health in Scotland by creating environments that help to prevent overweight and obesity from developing in the first instance.”
Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, said:
“Scotland’s retailers are committed to helping consumers make healthier choices. Fresh fruit and vegetables are heavily price promoted and often the very first thing shoppers see when entering food retailing stores. The availability of healthy snack alternatives has risen considerably, and the quantity of fruits and vegetables in products like sandwiches and ready meals has increased. Our industry has led the way on reformulating products to reduce salt, sugar, and fat from products. We’ve pioneered traffic light labelling and clear energy information on products and signage to help consumers understand products and make informed choices.
“We nonetheless recognise regulatory interventions above and beyond voluntary initiatives are necessary, and indeed when done well, desirable. The Scottish Retail Consortium has been closely consulted on the proposed measures to restrict the promotion and marketing of high fat salt and sugar products. That process has been taken forward in the spirit of collaboration as outlined in the New Deal for Business with a genuine intent to balance the health and economic impacts appropriately. The decision to focus on restricting promotions for which there is strong evidence are problematic, and to do so in a manner which supports the wider regulatory framework across the UK, is very welcome.
“This announcement is a sensible compromise balancing the need for a public health intervention with the economic impact. There remain enormous challenges from the impact of diet and obesity in Scotland. The best way to tackle those problems is by government and industry working together to make Scotland a healthier and wealthier nation.”
