New food restrictions will encourage “healthier choices”, the Scottish Government has said.
Following the passing of regulations by Parliament last year, new restrictions will be introduced from October 1 which makes changes to the sale and placement of foods high in fat, sugar and salt in shops.
Businesses with more than 50 employees will no longer be allowed to display pre-packaged foods such as sugary soft drinks, confectionary, biscuits and breakfast cereals in prominent locations, such as entrances, checkouts and at aisle ends.
Certain price promotions including free refills of sugary soft drinks will also be restricted.
Why is the Scottish Government putting new restrictions on food?
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said the restrictions would make it easier for people to make healthier choices.
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.
“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.
”We have engaged extensively with business and industry in developing this approach. These restrictions strike a balance between improving the health of people in Scotland whilst reducing any potential effects on smaller businesses and shops.”
The regulations will apply both in-store and online and aim to create a healthier balance of products on offer to lower levels of obesity.
Similar restrictions are already in place across England and Wales.
How have supermarket bosses reacted?
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said he believes the new regulations are “proportionate”.
“Scotland’s retailers are committed to helping consumers make healthier choices,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
