The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is investigating the potential impact of legislation aimed at restricting the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) in Northern Ireland. This exploration follows the release of the report titled “Mapping the food retail and out of home sector in Northern Ireland,” which outlines the number of businesses that could be affected by such regulations, similar to those already implemented in England and planned for Wales and Scotland.
According to Freya Sharpe, Senior Dietary Health Policy Adviser at the FSA, the restrictions on HFSS food promotions have proven effective in England and are expected to be enforced in Wales by March 2026 and in Scotland by October 2026. Sharpe emphasized, “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.”
The findings from the FSA’s mapping process suggest that the proposed policy could significantly impact the retail sector in Northern Ireland, specifically regarding how HFSS products are displayed and marketed. The legislation would also extend to businesses operating under franchise or symbol group arrangements.
This initiative aligns with the goals of the new Healthy Futures Obesity Strategic Framework for Northern Ireland, published by the Minister of Health in November 2025. The framework aims to create a healthier food environment for residents, and the FSA is committed to supporting local businesses in this endeavor.
Industry engagement is crucial for the success of the obesity strategy. Katie McFarland, Nutrition Policy Adviser at the FSA, noted the importance of incorporating feedback from stakeholders into any proposed policy concerning HFSS food promotions. “The FSA has held a series of meetings with representatives from the retail sector to discuss the research findings and share learning that exists from other regions,” McFarland stated. “This dialogue has proved to be very useful and will continue as we move forward into the next phase of this work.”
As the FSA gathers insights from various stakeholders, the agency is poised to make informed decisions that could shape the future of food marketing in Northern Ireland. The outcomes of this research will play a pivotal role in addressing public health concerns related to obesity and unhealthy eating habits in the region.
