Scotland has introduced new regulations that prevent certain high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt food and drink products from being displayed in prime supermarket locations or offered through multi-buy deals. The rules, which went into effect recently, aim to encourage healthier eating habits among the population.
These regulations apply to businesses with over 50 employees, including supermarkets, high street shops, restaurants, petrol stations, and garden centers. Foods such as chocolate, crisps, biscuits, and ice cream are among those affected. The restrictions also extend to items like kombucha, seaweed snacks, muesli, and chewing gum if their sugar content meets the threshold.
Prominent display areas now off-limits for these products include store entrances, checkouts, aisle ends, and queueing areas. Furthermore, price promotions like 'three for the price of two', 'three for £10', or 'buy five and save 20%' are banned for these items. Similarly, offers that bundle an extra high-sugar, fat, or salt product for free with another purchase are prohibited. However, discounts such as half-price or 'save £1' offers remain permissible.
Online retailers also face restrictions, including a ban on advertising certain foods on their homepages. Similar measures are already in place in England and Wales.
The scope of affected products is broad, encompassing sugary drinks, savory snacks, breakfast cereals, pre-made pizzas, ready meals, confectionery, ice cream, cakes, pastries, and sweetened yogurts, depending on their nutritional content.
Despite these changes, traditional meal deals and 'dine for two' offers are exempt from the regulations. However, any regulated foods included in these deals cannot be placed in the prohibited prominent locations within stores.
The Scottish government stated that the regulations are part of an effort to combat obesity, noting that two out of three adults in Scotland are overweight or obese, with the issue disproportionately affecting those in the most deprived areas. Public Health Minister Maree Todd explained that restricting the promotion and placement of less healthy foods can help curb over-consumption and impulse buying, ultimately making it easier for individuals to make healthier choices and improve overall health and well-being.