Scotland tightens rules on supermarket placement of high-sugar, high-fat products

Scotland is introducing new restrictions on how supermarkets can display and promote food products that are high in sugar, fat or salt, in a move aimed at reducing the prominence of less healthy items in stores.

Under the measures, certain high-sugar, high-fat and high-salt products will no longer be permitted in some of the most visible and heavily trafficked locations in supermarkets, such as the ends of aisles, where retailers have traditionally placed items to maximise impulse purchases. The goal of such restrictions is typically to nudge consumers toward healthier choices by reducing the visibility and accessibility of less nutritious options.

Meal deals remain unaffected

Despite the new restrictions, popular promotional formats such as the meal deal, in which shoppers can buy a sandwich, snack and drink together at a discounted price, are set to continue largely unaffected, reflecting the targeted nature of the new placement rules rather than a blanket ban on promotions involving less healthy foods.

Public health advocates have long argued that where and how food is displayed in shops can meaningfully influence consumer behaviour, and some retailers and governments across the UK have already introduced similar restrictions in recent years as part of broader efforts to tackle obesity and diet-related illness. Industry groups have at times raised concerns about the cost and complexity of complying with such rules, particularly for smaller retailers.

The restrictions form part of a wider set of public health measures in Scotland aimed at shaping the food environment, with further details on enforcement and compliance expected to be set out as the rules take effect.