HFSS Restrictions

ACS calls for urgent review of HFSS regulations

Trade body's call follows Parliamentary exchange on regulations.

The Association of Convenience Stores has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for an urgent review of the introduction of location and promotional restrictions on high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) products.

The HFSS regulations, set to come into force in October, will impact a wide range of products including cereals, yogurts, ready meals, and juices. Thousands of retailers are set to be included within the regulations, which affect stores over 2,000sq ft (location restrictions) and businesses with over 50 employees (volume promotions – includes some symbol groups and franchises).

ACS wrote to Johnson following a recent exchange during Prime Minister’s Questions. Johnson was asked about the upcoming HFSS regulations and their potential impact on the food sector. In response, he stated that the industry had been given “more time” to consider the impact of the regulations. Despite this claim, retailers are still preparing for the implementation of the regulations, at a cost of more than £90m to the convenience sector alone.

The letter outlines the burden that the regulations will have on convenience retailers. The letter also highlights the huge uncertainty still remaining about the detail of the rules, which has arisen because the government is yet to publish official guidance on the regulations.

The letter states: “With only seven months left until the implementation of the biggest regulatory change to the sale of grocery products in England for a generation, there remains a huge amount of uncertainty for local shops, supermarkets and food suppliers. At present your officials cannot indicate to industry, including thousands of small local shop owners, a clear definition of the products impacted by the regulations or the promotional mechanism that can be used to sell them.”

ACS has produced Assured Advice about the regulations.