New restrictions on the placement of foods high in fat, sugar and salt come into force in Scotland from October 1, following the approval of regulations by Parliament last year. The Scottish Government said the measures will encourage "healthier choices" and will affect stores including Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Waitrose.
What the New Rules Mean for Shoppers
Businesses employing more than 50 staff will no longer be allowed to display pre-packaged items such as sugary soft drinks, confectionary, biscuits and breakfast cereals in prominent positions, including entrances, checkouts and aisle ends. Certain price promotions, including free refills of sugary soft drinks, will also face restrictions.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said the measures would help people make healthier choices more easily. She said: "We want to make it easier for people to live healthier lives. In Scotland, two out of three adults are overweight or obese, with those living in our poorest areas more likely to be overweight and experience the most harm as a result."
Government and Retailer Response
Todd added: "We know that promotions and the prominent product placement can encourage over-consumption and impulse buying of foods with high levels of calories, fat, sugar and salt. By restricting the promotion of less healthy food and drink we can make it easier for people to make healthier choices, improving health and wellbeing and creating a Scotland where everyone eats well and has a healthy weight."
The regulations will apply both in-store and online and are designed to create a healthier range of products on offer to tackle rising levels of obesity. Comparable restrictions are already in force across England and Wales.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said he believes the new regulations are "proportionate". He said: "Scotland's retailers are committed to helping consumers make healthier choices. For example, fresh fruit and veg are heavily price promoted and grocers have led the way on reformulating products to reduce salt, sugar, and fat. We've pioneered traffic light labelling and signage to help consumers make informed choices."
MacDonald-Russell added: "We believe these new regulations are proportionate and will enhance the positive work being done by retailers in supporting consumers to make healthier food and drink choices. The choice to implement a consistent model with other UK nations should simplify and reduce the cost of implementation: albeit retailers will still invest around £20 million to deliver the policy. We hope this approach, where industry is meaningfully consulted and government acts in a constructive manner, can serve as a model going forward as we work in partnership to make Scotland a healthier and wealthier nation."
