New restrictions from October 1 in Scotland aim to help people make healthier food choices (Image: Getty)
Supermarkets in the UK will be subject to a new shelf rule from October 1 to encourage shoppers to make healthier food choices.
Following the passing of regulations by Parliament last year, new restrictions will be introduced from Thursday in Scotland, which make changes to the sale and placement of foods high in fat, sugar and salt in shops.
Under the new rules, businesses with more than 50 employees – which would include major supermarkets – will no longer be allowed to display pre-packaged foods in prominent locations.
As such, this would ban items like sugary soft drinks, confectionery, biscuits and breakfast cereals from being displayed on shelves in entrances, checkouts and at aisle ends. In addition to the new shelf rule, certain price promotions, including free refills of sugary soft drinks, will also be restricted.
The Scottish Government has confirmed the regulations will apply both in-store and online, including in supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, and retail outlets in transport hubs such as train stations.
The rules are intended to create a healthier balance of products on offer, support healthier eating habits and lower levels of obesity. Similar restrictions are already in place across England and Wales.
Commenting on the restrictions, Public Health Minister Maree Todd 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 new rules from October 1 will apply to certain categories of pre-packed high fat sugar and salt food and drinks, including the following:
A number of convenience meal products, including pizzas, ready meals, chips and breaded foods
The Scottish Government said not all products within these categories will be in scope, and products will be assessed using the UK 2004/05 Nutrient Profiling Model to determine whether they are high in fat, sugar or salt.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said he believes the new regulations are “proportionate”.
He added: “Scotland’s retailers are committed to helping consumers make healthier choices. 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.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
