The Government has attempted to clarify its position on impending High Fat Salt & Sugar (HFSS) legislation following the publication of Labour’s 10-Year Health Plan which hinted that volume promotion restrictions due to come into effect in October would be replaced with a different mechanism to help tackle obesity.
In the 10-Year Health Plan report, it stated: “The previous government legislated to introduce restrictions on the volume price promotions retailers can offer, including a ban on buy-one-get-one-free deals on unhealthy food. These measures will come into force on 1 October 2025. By introducing smarter regulation, focused on outcomes, we expect to be able to repeal legislation restricting volume price promotions and aisle placement.”
This led to speculation that the volume promotion restrictions wouldn’t come into effect when planned. However, following queries for clarification from Convenience Store to the Department of Health and Social Care, the restrictions will happen as planned but may be repealed at a later date, “once newer measures are in place and the existing legislation is no longer needed”.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told Convenience Store. “We are moving towards an approach that focuses more on outcomes, including mandatory reporting of healthy food sales for all large food businesses and sales targets on healthier products for the largest retailers.
“This will help reduce consumption of unhealthy foods and shift our focus from sickness to prevention so people can live longer, healthier lives.
“It takes just a small change to make a big difference and to stop the NHS becoming unsustainable - our aim is to create the healthiest generation of children ever.”
Commenting on the confusion over HFSS regulations, Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “We urge retailers to start preparing now for the introduction of the volume promotion restrictions in October, which will affect any retailer whose business employs over 50 people. This includes some symbol groups, so it’s important that retailers check with their group to see if they are exempt.
“Our Assured Advice guide on HFSS regulations covers all of the detail of the products and promotions that are included in the regulations, and urge retailers with any questions to contact us.”
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