August 22, 2025

expert reaction to two papers and preprint assessing the impact of legislation on foods high in fat salt and sugar (HFSS) products in England

Scientists comment on two papers and a preprint that assess the impact of legislation on foods high in fat salt and sugar (HFSS) in England. 

Dr Jordan Beaumont, Lecturer in Food and Nutrition and Registered Nutritionist, Sheffield Hallam University, said:

“It is heartening to see such large-scale, rigorous approaches focussing particularly on the impact of this legislation on consumers living with food insecurity – a group of the population who are most likely to be negatively affected by HFSS legislation. The research team have not only analysed the direct impact of this legislation on purchasing of in-scope HFSS foods, but also explored the wider context and impact for retailer, and the views of and likely engagement with legislation by consumers.

“This work demonstrates promise for the use of regulation to reduce the purchasing and consumption of HFSS foods, but this must be combined with approaches to make healthier foods more affordable. Simply moving HFSS foods away from prominent locations is not enough – consumers can still find these foods in convenient spots elsewhere in the supermarket and are likely to still choose these foods where healthier alternatives are not affordable. As outlined by the research team, those living with food insecurity are more likely to purchase foods that are on offer or at a reduced price, and 73.1% of consumers believing this legislation would not affect their purchasing behaviour.

“While the legislation appears to have impacted the purchasing of in-scope HFSS, it is concerning to see some retailers replacing these foods with other problematic products such as alcohol. It would be great to see this space used to promote healthier foods and drinks instead, supporting consumers to meet government dietary guidance.”

Customer survey: ‘Customer awareness and perceptions of the high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) placement legislation and impacts on self-reported food purchasing’ by Alice R. Kininmonth et al. was published in Food Policy

Retailer Survey: ‘“It was a force for good but…”: a mixed-methods evaluation of the implementation of the High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) legislation in England.’ by Alice Kininmonth et al. is a preprint on OSF preprints

Sales data: ‘Did the High in Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) product placement restriction legislation in England lead to reduced purchases of HFSS products? An interrupted time series analysis using retailer sales data’ by Victoria L. Jenneson et al.

Declared interests

Dr Jordan Beaumont: Dr Beaumont has no competing interests; he has not received industry funding nor does he work with or have links with the industry.