The Research

This study provides an independent evaluation of the implementation, enforcement, and impact of the Food (Promotion and Placement) Regulations across various retail stores. It will examine how businesses are adapting to the regulations, how consumers engage with promotions, and whether the nutritional quality of foods sold in stores has changed.

 

Background

Almost a quarter of children in England are living with obesity, with rates significantly higher in disadvantaged communities. In response, the UK Government introduced the Food (Promotion and Placement) Regulations 2021, which came into effect in October 2022. These regulations restrict the promotion of high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) products in key locations within stores, such as checkouts, aisle ends, and entrances. Additionally, certain price promotions will be banned from October 2025.

The aim of these regulations is to make HFSS foods less accessible and encourage healthier purchasing habits. However, businesses have expressed concerns about potential impacts on sales and operational challenges. Local authorities, responsible for enforcing the regulations, face challenges in ensuring compliance with limited resources.

1. Evaluate businesses’ experience of implementing the regulations

  • We will conduct surveys in n~240 stores in six case study areas to evaluate implementation activities and assess the commercial impact of the regulations.
  • We will interview n~50 business representatives to explore their experiences in implementing regulations and identify strategies that support healthier sales.
  • We will conduct secondary analysis of data across four retailers to examine the impact of the law on product nutritional profiles across different businesses.

2. Assess enforcement and support activities by local authorities

  • We will conduct national survey of 317 local authorities to examine enforcement activities, linked with findings from the ECON study.
  • We will interview local authorities, representative bodies, and experts to explore enforcement practices and support mechanisms.

3. Examine citizens’ experiences of promotional strategies since the regulations’ implementation

  • We will conduct national survey with ~2000 citizens’ to assess awareness of HFSS (high in fat, sugar, and salt) promotions and their engagement with these strategies.
  • We will utilise go-along interviews with n~35 citizens as they shop in different types of stores to understand their experiences and perceptions of promotions

Our Local Authority Partners

Contact Us

Please contact us at the following:

Centre for Food Policy,
City St.George's, University of London,Northampton Square,
London EC1V 0HB

hfss@citystgeorges.ac.uk

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The Centre for Food Policy is part of City, St George's, University of London.

Family food experience study | Household Food Simulation | Healthy start evaluation