Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025: equality impact assessment

Title of policy: The Food (Promotion and Placement) (Scotland) Regulations 2025

Summary of aims and desired outcomes of the policy

The primary aim of this policy is to reduce the public health harms associated with the excess consumption of calories, fat, sugar and salt, including the risks of developing type 2 diabetes, various types of cancer and other conditions such as cardiovascular disease, as part of a wide-ranging suite of actions to support healthier diets and healthy weight. This policy is also intended to contribute towards the reduction of diet-related health inequalities, including in relation to socioeconomic disadvantage.

Restricting the promotion of less healthy food and drink where they are sold to the public is intended to shift the balance of promotions towards healthier options, making it easier for people to purchase fewer high fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS) products and create an environment where it is easier for people to make healthier choices for themselves and their families. This is in line with the public health priority to develop a whole system approach to improve food environments; ensure a healthy, balanced diet is accessible and affordable to all; and improve population levels of healthy weight as set out in the Scottish Government’s Population Health Framework.

Directorate: Population Health

Division: Population Health Strategy and Improvement

Team: Tobacco, Gambling, Diet and Healthy Weight