A study has been launched to discover how HFSS is affecting convenience store buying habits and to find workable solutions to boost the sales of healthy products.

To explore the impact of the guidelines on convenience stores, the project will collect new data by conducting national surveys with convenience stores and local governments across England who offer business support to small retailers. The research team will also carry out workshops with key stakeholders and examine the impact of the new law in six areas of England, including regions in the north, south and middle of the country as well as two London boroughs

The study is funded by an award of £1.37m over the next two and a half years by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and being led by Professor Christina Vogel, Director of the Centre for Food Policy at City, University of London, and also involves researchers at the University of Southampton and the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

Professor Vogel said: “These less healthy foods have a long shelf life and make commercial sense. But given that obesity and poor diet constitute two of the greatest threats to population health, we hope to help all convenience store owners, manufacturers and suppliers find ways to offer healthier options to their customers without affecting their profits.”

The Government introduced the Food (Promotion and Placement) Regulations 2021 in England in October 2022 to stop retail businesses promoting HFSS products at checkouts, aisle ends and store entrances. The rules apply to some convenience stores, but not others. Smaller convenience stores (less than 2000 square feet), which are often visited by young people, older adults and low-income families, do not need to follow these guidelines.

As a result, these groups of people may not see the same health benefits from this law as those who shop in supermarkets. Larger convenience store owners are also worried they will find it hard to stick to the new rules or that it might reduce sales and damage their businesses.

The researchers will communicate regularly with national government departments, local authorities and businesses to share their findings. Key findings will also be shared with the public.

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