Promotion of food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS)

New regulations to restrict the promotion of food and drink which are high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament this Autumn.

These will apply to businesses with 50 and more employees, both in store and online, and will align with policy in England and Wales.

The measures will:

• target food categories that are significant contributors of calories, fat and sugar to the Scottish diet

• restrict promotion of pre-packed food and drink products within targeted food categories that are HFSS

• restrict price promotions of HFSS products such as multi-buy offers (for example buy one get one free) and free refills of soft drinks with added sugar;

• restricting the placement of HFSS food and drink products at key selling locations such as store entrances, checkouts and aisle ends.

It is intended there will be a period of 12 months between regulations being laid in Parliament and coming into force to enable industry and local authorities to fully prepare.

Clear guidance will be developed to ensure all parties understand what is expected of them and their responsibilities for ensuring compliance.

Business are invited to contact DietPolicy@gov.scot if they wish to discuss in further detail.