Scottish Government To Restrict Promotions Of HFSS Products

Nicola Sturgeon has announced the Scottish Government’s legislative programme for next year. Plans include passing legislation to restrict displays and promotions of high fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods. This could see overall sales for Scottish c-stores take a 15% nosedive in regards to confectionery alone.

‘We are also continuing our work to restrict the promotion and marketing of food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt and will bring forward a Bill on Restricting Foods Promotions in next year’s legislative programme,’ Sturgeon claimed.

The programme states: ‘We have consulted on restricting the promotion and marketing of food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt where they are sold to the public and will bring forward a bill on Restricting Foods Promotions for introduction in next year’s legislative programme.’

Exactly when new legislation will be enforced is still uncertain. Judging by plans successfully implemented in regards to tobacco sales, HFSS confectionery may need to be hidden from view.

It’s not just Scottish shops in Governmental cross-hairs, either. The UK Government has been running a consultation on similar proposals, with Wales planning to implement restrictions on HFSS products.

This trend could roll across England after further consultation into restricting HFSS promotions. Trade associations have urged that small stores should be exempt from new regulations.

HFSS: ‘Badly thought through’

The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) described the Scottish Government’s HFSS plans as ‘badly thought through and unenforceable’.

Consultation Documents propose a range of measures. Multi-buys, up-selling and free samples would be outlawed, with enforcement from local authorities.

The proposals have drawn criticism. Retailers argue that they should be allowed to use a range of promotions to ensure that they stay competitive.

New definitions of foods deemed high in fat, salt, and sugar will be developed by a freshly appointed ‘expert technical panel’.

The Retail Data Partnership will update this story when new information is released.

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