Retailers call for clarity over unclear HFSS regulations

Businesses and retail groups have called for clarity for convenience stores and independent businesses ahead of the introduction of new high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) regulations.

The new regulations will aim to limit the placement and promotion of HFSS products in stores.

Since the reveal of the new measures many retailers have expressed confusion over deciding where they can put products, and what they can and can’t promote.

WHSmith begins HFSS trial

James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores expressed the necessity of the Government being clear with the regulations and the impact it will have on retailers.

“With so many unanswered questions the only sensible option is to delay the introduction of the rules to at least Spring 2023 to allow everyone to prepare”, he added.

With the main concern surrounding meals deals and ‘big night in’ promotions, which is set to be excluded from the regulations, but there is no definition over what a meal deal actually includes which could potentially lead to confusion for shoppers and retailers.

The Food and Drink Federation have also pushed the Government to clarify the regulations to allow the industry to prepare, claiming the Government needs to update its technical guidance which helps companies calculate if their products are HFSS and subject to regulations.

Government confirms advertising ban on HFSS products

Officials from the Department of Health and Social Care are believed to have received over a thousand questions about the regulations, which are due to come into force in October 2022.

Dozens of categories of food and drink will be restricted in the new regulations, forcing thousands of retailers to rethink the layout of their stores.

Products included; soft drinks, yogurts, breakfast cereals, ready meals, pastries and most confectionary products.

The HFSS regulation will mean retailers will not be able to put any of these products at the store entrance, at the checkout, near a queuing area or at the end of an aisle.

Read more HFSS news and advice for retailers