2 minute read
HFSS Legislation
by 55 North
Welsh Government consults on plans to tackle obesity
The consultations set out proposals to restrict HFSS products in stores and introduce a minimum age of sale of 16 for energy drinks.
The Welsh government has launched two consultations as part of its ambition to tackle obesity, setting out proposals to restrict HFSS products in stores and introduce a minimum age of sale of 16 for energy drinks. The ‘Healthy Food Environment’ consultation includes proposals similar to those being introduced in England on HFSS products, but with some key differences:
● The Welsh Government is proposingto restrict ‘temporary pricereductions’ of HFSS products inaddition to multi-buys and otherpromotions.
● The Welsh Government is proposingto restrict the siting of HFSSproducts on free-standing displayunits in addition to at storeentrances, at the tills, and at theend of aisles.
● The Welsh Government is proposingtwo possible options for thecategories that are considered tobe HFSS. One option would includeproducts like cooking sauces,pasta with added ingredients, eggproducts, and table sauces.
● There are currently no set timescalesfor the introduction of theproposals after the consultationperiod, but Wales’ overall healthstrategy states that measures willbe in place “by 2030”.
ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “We are very concerned about the prospect of slightly different and even more confusing rules on restricting HFSS products and promotional activity in Wales compared to England, and will be responding to the consultations in due course to outline the problems that differing HFSS rules will have on our members.”
The second consultation aims to use existing powers to end the sale of energy drinks to children and young people under 16. It covers whether:
● The ban of energy drinks shouldapply to children under 16.
● The ban should be widened to considerother drinks typically high incaffeine, such as tea and coffee.
● The ban should cover all shops,including online environments.
Lowman added: “We will play a full part in the consultation considering an age restriction on energy drinks and if this concludes that a ban should be introduced, we will work with the Welsh government to implement this.”
