New rules have been passed by the Welsh Senedd to prevent over-consumption and impulse purchases.
The Senedd passed new rules about how and where foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) can be promoted and displayed in larger shops and online, which it said would help to tackle the growing problem of obesity in Wales.
Some of the products included in the programme will be sausages (raw and cooked), sausage meat products, frankfurters, hot dogs and burgers, as well as meat pastry pies and other pastry products.
Applying to businesses of 50 or more employees, the Food (Promotion and Presentation) (Wales) Regulations 2025 will restrict promotions that “encourage over-consumptions”, such as multi-buy offers, as well as restricting the presentation of HFSS foods at prime selling locations such as store entrances, checkouts and website homepages.
This comes as research has showed that 83% of purchases made on promotion are impulse buys, with 43% of food and drink products in prominent store locations promoting sugary food and drinks.
“We want to make it easier for people to make healthier choices and we’ll achieve this by improving the food environment around them.”
Jeremy Miles, Welsh Government
Wales Health Secretary Jeremy Miles commented: “These regulations are a key part of our strategy to tackle Wales’ growing obesity problem.
“I’m pleased they have been approved by the Senedd, as they will have a significant impact on the health of our nation for years to come.
“We want to make it easier for people to make healthier choices and we’ll achieve this by improving the food environment around them. If we ensure healthier food and drinks are more available, accessible and visible to people in shops and stores, it will support our efforts to reduce obesity rates and improve public health.”
