Wales Unveils Strict Rules on Junk Food Promotions

Major changes are coming to Welsh shops as new regulations aim to restrict the promotion and placement of foods high in fat, salt and sugar. The measures, set to be introduced in March 2026, will target medium and large businesses with 50 or more employees.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “These regulations are a step forward in our long-term strategy to tackle Wales’ growing obesity problem. We want to make the healthier choice the easier choice by improving the food environment. We can do this by ensuring healthier food and drinks are more available, accessible and visible to people in shops and stores.”

The new rules will ban multi-buy offers and free refills of sugary drinks, whilst restricting the placement of less healthy foods at store entrances and checkouts. 🛒

Dr Julie Bishop, Director of Health Improvement at Public Health Wales, offered strong support: “Our diet is rapidly becoming the leading cause of preventable poor health in Wales which is affecting individuals and creating demand in our NHS. There is significant research evidence to show that how food is presented and positioned in shops has an impact on the choices that we make.”

Research reveals that 60% of adults in Wales are overweight or obese, with nearly a quarter of children starting school already facing weight challenges.