Retailers asked to give views on proposed HFSS restrictions
A consultation has been launched on restricting the promotion and placement of food and drink high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) in Northern Ireland.
Launched by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Northern Ireland and the Department of Health, the consultation runs until 5pm on 21st October.
The proposed restrictions would apply to certain volume price promotions, the placement of HFSS products in prominent retail locations, and free refill promotions for sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Similar measures are already in place in England and Wales, while Scotland is due to introduce equivalent measures from October this year.
The consultation will be relevant to retailers, both in-store and online, and will also affect out-of-home businesses, food manufacturers, and local authorities.
Ahead of this consultation, the FSA conducted research mapping the retail and out-of-home environment in Northern Ireland and assessed the impact of applying legislation to restrict the promotion of HFSS food to the Northern Ireland setting.
The FSA had also previously issued new guidance for food and bakery manufacturers here to reduce salt and sugar in pancakes. As part of the FSA’s Making Food Better programme, the organisation worked with CAFRE to launch the guidance to help businesses produce pancakes lower in sugar and salt and contribute to a healthier food environment.
The rising cost of living has proven to be one of the biggest barriers to healthy eating, especially for families, with research showing that low-income households in Northern Ireland would need to spend about a third of their take-home income to afford a basic, healthy food basket.
In launching this new consultation, the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said evidence shows that the promotion of HFSS products through price-based incentives, prominent placing and marketing tactics can significantly influence consumer purchasing behaviour, often at the expense of healthier options.
Measures being considered include limiting multibuy offers such as 3-for-2 or 2 for £10 on certain food products which are deemed unhealthy; restricting where these products can be placed in a supermarket, including online stores; and restricting free refills of sugar-sweetened soft drinks.
“A key area of focus for me as Health Minister is prevention, to keep people healthy as much as possible,” said Mike Nesbitt MLA.
“The Healthy Futures Obesity Strategic Framework, my department’s strategy to tackle the growing obesity crisis, emphasises the importance of creating supportive environments that encourage healthy eating. While we all have a responsibility to look after our own health, these proposed measures aim to create conditions that support individuals in making healthier choices.”
Consultation responses can be submitted via the online questionnaire available here: Consultation on Restricting Promotions of Products High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) | Department of Health
