Overview

• University of Leeds researchers conducted the first independent evaluation using sales data on 11.6 billion items.
• The analysis covered Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Asda stores in England affected by the HFSS placement law.
• The share of in‑scope HFSS items fell from 20 to 19 per 100 items sold after the October 2022 restrictions.
• A survey of nearly 2,000 shoppers found 73% felt their own habits would not change and 71% thought the rules would affect unplanned shoppers.
• Researchers described the law as a force for good and urged tighter rules to replace HFSS items in prime spots with healthier choices, alongside better affordability.