New rules to help people make healthier food choices come into
force today (26 March), marking a significant milestone in the
fight against obesity.
Levels of obesity are rising in Wales – 60% of adults are
overweight or obese, and nearly a quarter of children are
overweight or obese by the time they start school.
Our food environment has developed in a way which makes it harder
to make healthier choices, with easy, quick foods, that are often
higher in fat, sugar and salt, prioritised over healthier
options.
The regulations put new responsibilities on medium and large
retailers to help people to make healthier choices when shopping
and eating out.
The regulations will prevent retailers from steering customers
towards less healthy products through promotions, such as
multibuy offers, and by placing foods high in fat, salt and sugar
at entrances and checkouts.
Research suggests that promotional offers and the placement of
products in prominent locations in store and online have a
significant influence on our food choices and encourage us to buy
and consume more than we intended.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said:
“As of today, 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, welcomed the regulations coming
in:
"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.“
In the 12 months since the regulations were approved by the
Senedd, the Welsh Government has published comprehensive guidance
to support businesses and local authorities implementing the
changes, which mirror similar measures already in place in
England.
Notes to editors
