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Scottish Government consultation on restricting promotions of food and drink regulations
18th April 2024
The Scottish Government has published plans to restrict the sale of high in fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS) products through additional rules on price promotions and the location of HFSS products in stores, with the intention of putting in place more restrictions than those already in place in England.
The plans say the promotions "encourage consumers to purchase more than they may have otherwise planned, in order to get the deal", which can often include HFSS items.
While the proposals, scheduled for implementation 12 months after regulations are laid in the Scottish Parliament, broadly follow those that have been introduced in England, additional restrictions being proposed include:
- Temporary price reductions (for example 10% off a product for a defined period of time)
- Free standing displays and islands in store that feature HFSS products
- Meal deal restrictions in some form, either those that contain one or more HFSS products, or discretionary foods (multiple options are set out in the consultation)
It is likely that these proposals will disproportionately impact small Scottish food and drink producers and will make selling food in Scotland more complex and costly, as well as mean higher prices for consumers during a cost-of-living crisis.
The consultation is open until the 21st of May. SCC will be responding to the consultation in due course.
For details : Colin Campbell - Communications & Research Executive