New rules about how and where foods high in fat, salt and sugar can be promoted and displayed in larger shops and online have comes into force in Wales.
The regulations are designed to prevent impulse purchases and over-consumption and help to tackle the growing problem of obesity in Wales.
The Food (Promotion and Presentation) (Wales) Regulations 2025, will:
Restrict the promotion of high-fat, sugar, and salt products by location and “volume price” at places in Wales which sell food or drink in Wales.They apply to medium or large businesses which have 50 or more employees.It will place restrictions on food for sale at store entrances, aisle ends, and checkouts and their online equivalents (meaning entry or landing or checkout pages).Retailers will not be able to offer deals such as “buy-one-get-one free” or “three for two” on high-fat, salt, or sugar items.Free refills on sugar-sweetened drinks found in restaurants or takeaways will also be banned.
It will not impact supermarket ‘meal deals’.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles said: “It will be easier to make healthier choices on the go and during our weekly shops. We know that parents want the best for their children and to help them form healthy habits and give them a fair start in life.
“By ensuring that foods high in fat, sugar and salt are no longer given prominence over healthier choices, we are taking important steps to support everyone make healthier choices and to improve public health.”
Professor Jim McManus, National Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health Wales, said: “Creating a healthier food environment for people in Wales is vital for all of us. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these regulations will have on the choices people make and, in turn, on the nation’s health.”
Dr. Ilona Johnson, Interim Co-Director of Health Improvement at Public Health Wales, said: “This is a step in the right direction. People across Wales want to be a healthy weight, yet many feel their everyday environment makes choosing healthier options more difficult.
“Foods high in fat, sugar and salt are often placed prominently in stores and promoted in ways that encourage impulse purchases and higher consumption. There is good evidence showing that policies targeting the food environment are effective at helping people make healthier choices.“ Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone