ACS issues guidance on upcoming calorie labelling rules

Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) today (28) launched a new guidance for retailers regarding the upcoming calorie labelling regulations, which is set to come into force from April 1.

Calorie labelling regulations, which primarily affect the out-of-home sector, will require retailers in scope to add calorie and portion information to menus and displays of products. Retailers will also be required to clearly display a notice highlighting the number of calories recommended for an adult in a day, as per the regulation.

The regulation will apply to food and beverages that are either for immediate consumption, pre-packed for direct sales or sold loose/packed at consumer’s request. This included items like ready to eat pizzas, hot beverages, bakery items, ready-to-eat sandwiches and PPDS (pre-packed for direct sale) foods.

Retailers who have more than 250 employees are considered to be within the scope of the rules, but much like the upcoming HFSS regulations, the government intends for symbol and franchise retailers to be included, ACS said, urging retailers to contact their symbol or franchise operator to find out whether they will have to make changes in store and online to comply with the regulations.

If a retailer is providing food that would otherwise be in scope of their rules independently of their symbol/franchise arrangement, then as long as that retailer has fewer than 250 employees themselves they are exempt from the new labelling requirements, ACS said.

The regulations are part of the government’s wider strategy to tackle obesity, which also includes HFSS regulations that are due to come into force in October.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said, “It’s essential that retailers understand their responsibilities when it comes to the new calorie labelling requirements. For the majority of businesses in scope, this will mean contacting your supplier about the new materials that will have to be displayed in store, but there are some for whom more significant planning is required. We urge retailers to engage with the guidance, and come to us with any questions about the details.”

ACS detailed guidance is available here.