The British Retail Consortium has reacted angrily to government proposals to regulate how UK retailers display “less healthy foods”, dismissing the suggestion as “ludicrous”.


In a report issued yesterday (6 April), Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: one year on, the Department of Health said that while retailers are promoting “healthier” foods, more could be done.


The department called for the establishment of a food marketing code that would prevent retailers displaying unhealthy foods at or below children’s eye level.


“Let’s be clear here – retailers have done a lot to promote healthier foods and the report recognises that. Consumption patterns are changing and this has been achieved without regulation,” a spokesperson for the BRC told just-food.


“Rules about which products should go on which shelves would be seriously misguided. It’s very hard to see how this could work in practice. How high is child’s eye-line anyway? It’s parents who buy children’s food. The idea that making particular foods hard to reach would make any difference is ludicrous,” BRC food director Andrew Opie added.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.