HFSS

HFSS was introduced in October 2022. Please refer to the Government website if you require more information, or see below for a brief summary.

In order for the Partnership to comply with HFSS we have created a 3 attribute process that all food and drink products must step through. This results in the correct HFSS status being assigned and therefore clear indication if it can or cannot be placed in the restricted zones in store and online.

On our smartsheets, suppliers must provided the following information for all affected product types:

o Government Category

o Nutrient Profiling Score

Based on these scores, a HFSS Status will then be generated, determining whether the product is HFSS applicable or not.

Affected Product Types

• Advent Calendar

• Alcohol

• Biscuits & Cakes Gift

• Cake Decoration

• Condiment Set

• Confectionery Gift

• Cooking Gift

• Drinks Maker*

• Food Lovers Gift

• Gift Set

• Hamper

• Hot Drink Gift

• Mother-to-Be Toiletry*

• Savoury & Preserves Gift

• Water Bottle*

*These are optional attributes for unique products, the other product types remain mandatory

THE LEGISLATION

In 2018 the Government announced a Childhood Obesity Strategy, which set out its intention to end the promotion of high fat, sugar or salt products. Failure to comply with the legislation may result in fines of £2500 per shop found to be non-compliant. 

On 01 October 2022, new legislation came into effect in England, which restricts where certain high fat, sugar or salt foods can be located in shops and online.  

From 01 October 2023 there will then be a ban on multi-buy promotional offers on HFSS lines, e.g. Buy One Get One Free. 

From 01 January 2024 the restrictions will take effect for TV advertising and ‘paid for’ adverts online.

As a responsible retailer, John Lewis recognises the role we have to play in inspiring our customers to make healthier choices and making information around these choices more accessible. To find out more about some of the ways we are inspiring our customers to choose foods lower in fat, sugar and salt, check out the updated information and advice from our John Lewis & Waitrose Nutrition team on John Lewis.com Waitrose.com.