New restrictions on where less healthy food and drink can be promoted in shops have come into force across Scotland today, with the changes designed to give healthier products greater prominence.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said the regulations are intended to influence how food is presented to shoppers rather than restricting what people are able to buy.

The measures apply to the promotion and placement of foods high in fat, sugar and salt, with shoppers expected to begin noticing changes in stores from today.

The Scottish Government says the intention is to make healthier choices easier by changing the prominence given to less healthy products rather than removing those products from sale.

Todd said:

“From today, shoppers across Scotland will start to see healthier options given more prominence in our shops, as these new regulations take effect.

“This is an important step in helping people make healthier choices, not by restricting what’s available, but by changing how it’s presented, so the healthier option is an easier choice to make.”

Retailers have been preparing for the introduction of the regulations, with the changes now becoming visible to customers as the new requirements take effect.

The approach is intended to address the influence that the promotion and prominent positioning of food and drink can have on the choices people make while shopping.

Todd added:

“I want to thank retailers for the work they’ve done to prepare for today, and I’d encourage shoppers to keep an eye out for the changes in their local shop.

“Over time, we want this to make a genuine difference to the nation’s health, helping create a Scotland where everyone can eat well, achieve a healthy weight, and enjoy better health and wellbeing.”

The regulations do not prevent shoppers from buying less healthy products, but they mark a change in how those foods can be promoted and positioned as Scotland begins a new approach aimed at making healthier choices more prominent.