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From Food promotion rules in Scotland from 1 October 2026 – Changes to support healthier choices, published this morning, the above reaction from the media operating in Scotland.
Watch them move when they get a sniff of the drug deaths on Wednesday.
The main points they could quickly copy and use as the basis for a quick call to a local supermarket owned in London:
From 1 October 2026, regulations will change how food and drinks high in fat, sugar or salt can be promoted and displayed in shops and online.
This is because of the Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025.
What will change in shops and online
The restrictions apply to less healthy food and drink products, such as sweets, crisps, cakes and soft drinks with added sugar.
In larger shops, less healthy food and drinks will not be displayed in prominent locations such as:
- shop entrances
- checkouts
- the ends of aisles
Some price promotions will also be restricted in shops and online, including multi-buy deals like ‘2 for £10’ and ‘buy one get one free’.
Some businesses will no longer be able to offer free refills of sugary drinks.
The restrictions apply to prepacked food and drink. They do not apply to foods made and packed in the shop, like fresh pizzas, or foods sold loose, like pastries.
You may see fewer promotions on less healthy products and more promotion of healthier options.
What will not change
This change does not ban any food or drink products. It is only the promotion of some products that is changing. You will still be able to buy the same food and drinks as before.
Some products may simply be displayed in different places in shops or online.
Meal deals and alcohol promotions are not affected by these regulations.
Why the rules are changing
Research shows that special offers and prominent displays can encourage people to buy food and drink they did not plan to buy, or to buy more than they need. These restrictions may help people stick to their budget and shopping list.
By restricting promotions of less healthy food and drink, the aim is to make it easier to choose healthier food and help to reduce impulse buys.
Our aim is to support healthier eating and improve health across Scotland. This includes benefits for children, families and communities. Similar rules are already in place in England and Wales.
Further information
- NHS Inform: food and nutrition
- Scottish Grocer’s Federation: HFSS retail compliance guide
- Food (Promotion and placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025: implementation guidance
- Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025
- Food and drink high in fat, sugar and salt: rapid evidence review
- Restricting promotion of food and drink HFSS consultation: government response
Source: https://www.gov.scot/publications/food-promotion-rules-scotland/
Help Talking-up Scotland keep going
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