ACS reminds retailers to prepare for upcoming Calorie Labelling Changes

Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) today (16) is reminding retailers again to prepare for upcoming Calorie Labelling rules by highlighting its guidance. The new rule is coming into force from April 6 this year.

The new rules, 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 like ready to eat pizzas, hot beverages, bakery items and PPDS (pre-packed for direct sale) foods. Retailers will also be required to clearly display a notice highlighting the number of calories recommended for an adult in a day.

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. As part of the guidance, ACS urges retailers to contact their symbol or franchise operator to find out whether they’ll have to make changes in store and online to comply with the regulations.

There are also important exemptions for businesses that have their own offer of food for immediate consumption. 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.

The regulations are part of the Government’s wider strategy to tackle obesity, which includes the controversial rules on promotion and location of HFSS products that are due to come into force in October, as well as tighter restrictions on the advertising of HFSS products on television and online.

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 detail.”

The guidance on calorie labelling requirements has been developed in partnership with Surrey and Bucks Trading Standards, and has been assured as part of our wider primary authority scheme. This means that wherever you trade in England and Wales, if you follow the guidance your in-store procedures must be respected by enforcement officers.