HFSS Legislation.

More than 20 years ago Tesco started to remove high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) items from their checkouts.

Since then, in many other retailers, we have seen impulse-purchase chocolate bars and crips replaced with bottled water, “healthier” snacks like nuts and seeds and – of course – chewing gum and Amazon Cards (other cards are available!)

But there has been more pressure to curb childhood obesity and to further remove temptation from sight. In October this year new HFSS legislation will come into force to control not just the placement of HFSS foods but also to govern its promotional activity; in store, online and on TV.

Along with a 2 meter “no fly zone” by tills, these products will also be restricted on gondola ends and in store entrances. Moreover, currently it seems that there will be a 9pm watershed for advertising HFSS products. And multi-buy offers, including free refills of sugar-sweetened drinks will be a thing of the past.

As manufacturers of shop fittings, including gondolas, we are keen to see how this legislation pans out. We are sure that secondary space will soon be full of the healthier products. We will see the fruits, seeds, and nuts that we ought to be consuming instead of HFSS products, still in moderation, of course.

One day we might hear, “Daddy please can I have a tomato?” as we queue at the checkout.  And wouldn’t that be a good day?

For more information have a look at the following link:- https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/restricting-promotions-of-products-high-in-fat-sugar-and-salt-enforcement/restricting-promotions-of-products-high-in-fat-sugar-and-salt-by-location-and-by-price-enforcement