The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called for a consistent approach to high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) regulations across the UK to avoid confusion among retailers.
This comes as a response to the Welsh government consultation on introducing restrictions to HFSS products in Wales that has differences to the the approach in England.
ACS says fully aligned regulations will ensure consistency, reduce the burden on businesses across the food supply chain and reduce confusion for retailers based in both England and Wales with measures planned to be in place by 2023, stated in Wales’ overall health strategy.
Regulations proposed by the Welsh government include restricting ‘temporary price reductions’ of HFSS products and meal deals as it is seeks views on how to define HFSS products such as through different nutrient profiling models.
It also plans to restrict the siting of HFSS products on ‘free standing display units’, at store entrances, tills and end of aisles, however the association has called for an exemption on product placement for small shops under 3,000 square foot and shops operating under a symbol group brand.
“We know from our members that customers are watching every penny at the moment in light of the cost of living crisis and if the Welsh government decides to proceed with these regulations we would urge them to restrict temporary price reductions or meals deals from the definition of value promotions as these help customers to save money, manage their budget and feed their families,” ACS chief executive, James Lowman said.
“Retailers are facing huge cost increases through energy bill and rising labour costs, the last thing they need is another bill for relaying their stores in order to move products two metres away.”
