Proposed restrictions on promotion of food high in fat, sugar and salt could have 'wide-reaching implications for the retail sector in Northern Ireland'
New Food Standards Agency research shows nearly two thirds of grocery retailers (62.5%) in Northern Ireland would fall within the scope of proposed restrictions on the promotion of food high in fat, sugar and salt if legislation already in place in England were introduced locally
Almost two thirds of grocery retail premises in Northern Ireland could fall within the scope of proposed restrictions on the promotion of food high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS), according to new research published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The research, Mapping the food retail and out of home sector in Northern Ireland, examines how many businesses could be impacted if legislation similar to HFSS promotion restrictions already in force in England were introduced locally.
Key findings show that 62.5% of grocery retailers would be affected by volume-based restrictions, while 45.7% would be subject to location-based restrictions. Among non-grocery retailers, 37.3% would be in scope of volume restrictions and 21.8% of location restrictions.
The research also found that 10.9% of out-of-home (OOH) businesses, such as cafes and restaurants, would be affected by restrictions on free refills of sugar-sweetened drinks.
Despite the scale of potential impact, the FSA noted that fewer than 10% of premises within scope of the restrictions are located within 400 metres of a school, equivalent to around a five-minute walk.
Interactive maps have been developed as part of the study to visually present the findings and support further policy consideration.
Freya Sharpe, senior dietary health policy adviser at the FSA, said the research was designed to inform future decision-making in Northern Ireland.
“Restrictions on the promotion of food high in fat, sugar and salt have already been introduced in England and are scheduled to come into force in Wales in March 2026 and Scotland in October 2026,” she said.
“Within the Northern Ireland context, we were keen to get a clearer understanding of the number of businesses that would be captured if similar legislation was introduced, so we initiated a mapping process.”
She added that the findings suggest the policy could have “wide-reaching implications” for the retail sector, including businesses operating under franchise or symbol group arrangements.
“The findings above indicate that the policy could have wide-reaching implications for the retail sector in Northern Ireland, particularly in how HFSS products are promoted and displayed,” she continued.
"The restrictions would also apply to businesses which operate under a franchise or symbol group arrangement. This research contributes to the delivery of actions under the new ‘Healthy Futures Obesity Strategic Framework’ for Northern Ireland, which was published by the Minister of Health in November 2025, where the FSA has committed to supporting Northern Ireland food businesses to make the food environment healthier.”
Industry engagement has a critical role to play in delivering against obesity strategy objectives as Katie McFarland, Nutrition Policy Adviser, FSA added: “Any proposed policy around the restriction of HFSS food promotions needs to take onboard the views and feedback from stakeholders.
“The FSA has held a series of meetings with representatives from the retail sector to discuss the research findings and share learning from other regions. This dialogue has proved very useful and will continue as we move into the next phase of this work.”