A new law could end cheap crisps and chocolate with products high in fat, salt or sugar to be banned from ‘appealing’ spots on store shelves.
Legal changes coming into force from October 1 mean that consumers will also no longer see sweet treats on offer near any entry point or checkout.
Advertising across all media will be affected, with commercials no longer allowed to run before 9pm and limitations on social media promotions imposed from the 1 January next year.
However, exemptions will apply to businesses who have small premises or less than 50 employees.
The new rules are being enforced in a bid to curb unnecessary intake of unhealthy items and take aim at Britain’s obesity crisis, in one of the biggest shake-ups the retail sector has faced.
Research has revealed just one in three businesses have checked their products ahead of the landmark legislation. Meanwhile, a quarter have not even considered auditing their products at all, with one in five businesses unaware of the new legislation altogether.
The study, commissioned by global standards organisation GS1 UK, of 400 managers and business owners in the food and drink industry, revealed that more than four in 10 feel unprepared for the changes.
And 73 per cent are unaware that volume promotions, such as BOGOF offers, will be banned. It also emerged just 33 per cent are training staff on the new rules, while 35 per cent are auditing suppliers, and 48 per cent are reworking existing products.
Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK, said: “The HFSS legislation represents a seismic shift for businesses across the UK and many of our 57,000 members will be affected.
“While our research reveals that businesses and consumers are aligned on the benefits the changes can bring, the findings show there is much more to be done if the sentiment of the legislation is to become a reality”.
Further research of 1,500 consumers found the legislation will significantly affect shopping behaviours - given more than half frequently buy HFSS products every time they shop.
It also emerged that 51 per cent would be less likely to purchase HFSS items if they were less visible in store. And a quarter would buy fewer if they were only available at full price, according to the OnePoll data.
More than half would miss buy-one, get-one-free offers on such products - which could be problematic given Brits are living through the biggest cost of living squeeze in decades.
However, businesses (66 per cent) and consumers (68 per cent) both agree on the need for regulation to curb unhealthy eating.
Launched in collaboration with Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Waitrose and Partners, the solution is aimed at making complying with HFSS legislation easier and more efficient for their suppliers.
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