No more cereal at the end of the aisle? New rules in Scotland's supermarkets
Restrictions are being put on products with high sugar, fat and salt content, but the meal deal lives on.
By BBC News
New rules aimed at reducing the prominence of foods high in fat, sugar and salt have come into force in Scotland’s supermarkets, with breakfast cereals among the products affected. The changes do not ban the sale of these items, and meal deals remain allowed.
The restrictions apply to businesses with more than 50 employees, including supermarkets and other large retailers. They stop qualifying products being displayed in prominent spots such as aisle ends, entrances and checkouts, and they also limit certain price promotions.
The rules cover pre-packaged foods including sugary soft drinks, confectionery, biscuits and breakfast cereals. They also apply online, where retailers are restricted from giving those products prominent positioning on home pages and some other key areas.
Promotions such as “three for two”, “three for £10” and other multibuy offers are restricted. Free refills of sugary soft drinks are also covered, although discounts such as half-price offers and “save £1” deals are not affected.
The Scottish Government has said the aim is to make healthier choices easier for shoppers. Public health minister Maree Todd said the move would give healthier options more prominence in shops. The regulations began on 1 October.
Meal deals and “dine for two” promotions are excluded from the rules, although individual items that fall within the restrictions still cannot be placed in banned display areas.