SRC: HFSS Promotions Restrictions a Sensible Compromise
In a preliminary response to the Scottish Government’s announcement of new restrictions on the promotion and marketing of High Fat, Salt, and Sugar products, the Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, Ewan MacDonald-Russell, said:
"Scotland's retailers are committed to helping consumers make healthier choices. Fresh fruit and vegetables are heavily price promoted and often the very first thing shoppers see when entering food retailing stores. The availability of healthy snack alternatives has risen considerably, and the quantity of fruits and vegetables in products like sandwiches and ready meals has increased. Our industry has led the way on reformulating products to reduce salt, sugar, and fat from products. We’ve pioneered traffic light labelling and clear energy information on products and signage to help consumers understand products and make informed choices.
"We nonetheless recognise regulatory interventions above and beyond voluntary initiatives are necessary, and indeed when done well, desirable. The Scottish Retail Consortium has been closely consulted on the proposed measures to restrict the promotion and marketing of high fat salt and sugar products. That process has been taken forward in the spirit of collaboration as outlined in the New Deal for Business with a genuine intent to balance the health and economic impacts appropriately. The decision to focus on restricting promotions for which there is strong evidence are problematic, and to do so in a manner which supports the wider regulatory framework across the UK, is very welcome.
“This announcement is a sensible compromise balancing the need for a public health intervention with the economic impact. There remain enormous challenges from the impact of diet and obesity in Scotland. The best way to tackle those problems is by government and industry working together to make Scotland a healthier and wealthier nation."
