The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that the location restrictions on high fat, salt and sugar products (HFSS) will come into force on Saturday 1 October despite calls from the industry to delay implementation.
The government confirmed that it would be changing the timetable for the introduction of the HFSS rules in response to consumers facing pressure on the cost of living. The implementation dates are:
- October 2022 - introduction of the location restrictions for HFSS products;
- October 2023 - ban on volume-based promotions for HFSS products.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops have sunk huge sums of money in refitting their stores to comply with these regulations when their businesses are already under pressure from rising energy bills and increased products costs. Retailers have been frustrated by the government’s rushed approached to policy development and indecision about implementation dates.”
“We have developed comprehensive guidance on how to comply with the regulations and we urge members who have any questions to get in touch so that we can provide an Assured answer in partnership with Surrey and Bucks Trading Standards.”
ACS Assured Advice and a list of FAQs are available here.
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