The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that the location restrictions for high fat, salt and sugar products (HFSS) will come into force on Saturday 1 October.
From Saturday 1 October, location restrictions for HFSS products will be enforceable. This means these products can only be sold in certain parts of a store that meets the size criteria for the legislation. Businesses in scope of the regulations with stores that have 185.8m2 (2,000 sq ft) or greater of ‘relevant floor area’ will be in scope of the location promotion restrictions.
There had been rumours of a backtrack by government on this legislation but its roll-out has been confirmed by the DHSC.
Promotional restrictions planned to be introduced have been delayed by the government and are expected to go ahead in October 2023.
To help retailers navigate the changes, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has published a comprehensive Assured Advice guide and set of frequently asked questions on the details of the upcoming HFSS (high, fat, salt, sugar) regulations, covering everything from queueing areas and island units, to the status of the regulations in other UK nations.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops have sunk huge sums of money in refitting their stores to comply with these regulations when their businesses are already under pressure from rising energy bills and increased products costs. Retailers have been frustrated by the government’s rushed approached to policy development and indecision about implementation dates.”
“We have developed comprehensive guidance on how to comply with the regulations and we urge members who have any questions to get in touch so that we can provide an Assured answer in partnership with Surrey and Bucks Trading Standards.”
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