Supermarket bosses have called for a further delay to the government’s clampdown on HFSS promotions, in a new survey published today.
The poll, by AI nutrition technology company Spoon Guru, which interviewed more than 100 decision makers from the top 11 supermarkets, showed 87% wanted a further delay of up to six months or more to the deadline for restrictions.
The implementation of the controversial HFSS promotions ban, which includes sweeping bans on price promotions, has already been delayed until October 2022.
Retailers have claimed the move will cause huge disruption in stores still coming to terms with the impact of the pandemic and Brexit.
Today’s survey further showed a quarter of respondents felt uninformed about what the HFSS legislation would entail, which could lead to monetary penalties.
Two thirds (61%) of respondents wanted a delay of seven months or more.
However, 60% of respondents acknowledged they had a key role to play in the HFSS legislation, while 46% believed that government intervention was needed. Forty-two per cent stated that brands have an integral role in the process.
The rules on product placing and multibuys of HFSS food will now come into force in October 2022, after ministers agreed to a delay in the summer. The government has yet to announce more details on exactly which products will be classed as HFSS foods.
“We understand why the government has delayed the enforcement of this legislation,” said Johanna Bolinder, head of health and sustainability at Spoon Guru. “The HFSS changes undoubtedly carry several bureaucratic hallmarks in that this is very complex legislation which many people are struggling to understand and implement. The good news is that we can help. Retailers and the government need to work with technology companies like ourselves to make the transition easier for everyone.”
Sharon Bligh, healthier lives director at The Consumer Goods Forum, said: “The new HFSS regulations are designed to help shoppers make informed, healthy choices, but it’s essential we work collaboratively as an industry, and across sectors, to help them achieve maximum impact, and utilise available technology and communications methods to avoid creating further confusion for all involved.
“Our research shows that while retailers are keen to support consumers in making healthy choices, the complexity of impending HFSS regulations represent a real challenge for retailers at both board and store level.”
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