Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, MS: Today, I am
launching a consultation about the proposed enforcement approach
for legislation to restrict promotions of food products high in
fat, sugar and salt by location and price, together with a draft
text of the Regulations.
I am committed to supporting people in Wales to make the healthy
choice the easy choice when food shopping and eating out.
The consultation details the proposed legislation associated with
the first phase of the action we intend to take to improve our
food environment. Evidence shows that food products with poor
nutritional value are currently disproportionately promoted more
than healthier products. Unfortunately, these promotions are very
effective in influencing what food and drink we buy. I am
determined to support the industry to increase the pace and scale
of action to produce and market healthier food and drink
products.
The draft Regulations outline location and price promotion
restrictions on less healthy products, as well as restrictions
for sugary drink refills. To ensure that delivery and enforcement
is made as straightforward as possible, the proposed enforcement
approach is aligned with equivalent legislation in England. The
Scottish Government has also set out its proposals to introduce
similar measures.
Regulations are intended to be laid in the Senedd before the end
of 2024 and, subject to Senedd approval, to come into force in
2025, following a 12-month implementation window for impacted
businesses and enforcement bodies. This legislation represents a
significant step towards our ambition for a healthier food
environment; it will encourage the food industry to take steps to
provide a more balanced food offer for people and communities in
Wales.
Officials will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that
clear and comprehensive guidance for the food industry is in
place at the time any legislation is laid.
Following the Welsh Government's consultation in 2022 about a
proposal to restrict the sale of energy drinks to under 16s, I am
also taking this opportunity to undertake a call for evidence in
relation to the consumption of energy drinks by children and to
further understand the associated impacts of this, including
those for our wider society.
I will set out my proposals to take forward other proposed
measures included in our Healthy
Food Environment consultation in 2022 shortly, together with
a broader range of approaches to support the sector to produce
and promote affordable healthy food options for everyone.
The consultation is available at: Proposals to make the food
environment healthier
