Plan for Profit to launch new HFSS product-check tool

The award winning retail initiative, Plan for Profit, will shortly be launching a brand new product check tool to help independent retailers prepare for the new High Fat Sugar & Salt (HFSS) legislation coming into effect from this autumn.

From October 2022, the Government is introducing new regulations that will affect thousands of independent retailers firstly in England. The intention is to reduce the availability of products high in fat, sugar and salt through implementing restrictions around promotion and placement in convenience stores. Regulations in Wales and Scotland are also currently being reviewed and are set to be announced soon.

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Location restrictions will come into force from October 2022, meaning the placement of HFSS products in high footfall areas like checkouts, end-of-aisle units, store entrances, and designated queueing areas will be banned for some stores.

Speaking about the new platform, Tracey Redfearn, Plan for Profit Controller said, “With many brands set to reformulate their key lines to ensure compliance, it is important retailers are aware of the products this new legislation affects. The Plan for Profit HFSS product check tool allows retailers to identify which of their stocked lines are HFSS compliant, as well as those that are impacted so they can make an informed decision about potential changes to their product range.”

The impact on retailers is set to grow even more with further restrictions to be introduced including a ban on volume-based promotions, e.g. "buy one get one free" (BOGOF) for HFSS products from October 2023, and additional TV/online advertising restrictions for HFSS products from January 2024 – it is therefore vital that retailers understand if their business is affected and act soon to avoid any negative consequences.

This brand new HFSS product check tool will be available for retailers to access from mid-September through Plan for Profit or directly at www.hfssproductcheck.co.uk.