HFSS toolkit
22 March 2024
This toolkit brings together key resources to help you navigate regulations relating to food and drink high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS).
Topics
HFSS Promotional Restrictions (England)
Restrictions on the retail placement of HFSS products came into force on 1 October 2022 in England. This will be followed by restrictions on HFSS price promotions in October 2025.
HFSS Regulations - What you need to know
The Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) Regulations 2021
The Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
ACS assured advice on HFSS promotional restrictions
Draft HFSS Promotional Restrictions (Devolved Governments)
The Welsh Government has announced it will implement restrictions on the promotion and placement of HFSS products by 2025. The products in scope and the nutrient profiling model used will be consistent with England but we await further details on the mechanisms and locations in scope.
The Scottish Government is considering regulation on the promotion and placement of HFSS products. A consultation was held in 2022 on what this should look like, followed by a more detailed consultation early in 2024.
How to submit HFSS data to retailers
Manufacturers are being asked by retailers for information relating to the HFSS status of their products. More information on how to share the data is included below.
Further HFSS Advertising Restrictions (UK)
New rules will come into force for advertising of HFSS products on TV and online in October 2025.
HFSS Regulations - What you need to know
Health and Care Act - Schedule 18 of the Act sets out the provisions for further HFSS adverting restrictions in the UK
Statutory Instrument confirming delay to the further advertising restrictions until 1 October 2025.
Nutrient Profiling
The nutrient profile model is a scoring system that identifies food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS). It is used to identify which products are subject to promotions and advertising restrictions.
University of Leeds NPM Calculator
GS1 & FDF webinar on how to calculate your HFSS score
Government Nutrient Profiling Technical Guidance
Government guidance on calculating fruit, veg and nuts score
Current HFSS Advertising Restrictions (UK)
The nutrient profiling model is currently used to restrict advertising in children's media, including on TV online, in cinemas, in print media, and in outdoor settings. The rules came into force for TV in 2007, and for all other media in 2017.
The UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP Code) applies to the content and scheduling of TV and radio ads.
The UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising & Direct and Promotional Marketing (CAP Code) applies to ads across other media including newspapers, magazines, billboards, cinema, posters, leaflets, mailings, e-mails, texts and on UK based company websites (including social media and advergames).
Not an FDF member?
To access more information, including answers to the most commonly asked questions, and access to the HFSS calculator, why not look into becoming an FDF member?
Webinar: What’s next for advertising and promotion of HFSS products across the UK?
25 July 2023
Are you confused by the complex regulations that affect the advertising and promotion of your HFSS products? This webinar, recorded live on 25th July 2023, includes presentations from speakers with extensive experience in helping companies interpret regulation in this area
Read more