England Food Promotion Restrictions Cut Millions HFSS Sales

Recent efforts to reduce the purchase of unhealthy foods through policies and programs have yielded mixed results and face significant challenges. In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster's proposed restrictions on SNAP purchases aimed at limiting junk food have raised concerns about increasing hardship for low-income families who rely on flexibility in their grocery choices, especially in rural areas with limited food options. Meanwhile, in England, government restrictions on promotions of high-fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS) foods led to a measurable decrease in sales of these products, although further measures are needed to promote healthier diets and address concerns about the financial impact on retailers. Experts studying the UK’s Food (Promotion and Placement) regulations emphasize the need for stronger enforcement and complementary food policies to improve effectiveness and equity. On the technological front, online grocery interventions that include eco-labeling and product swaps show potential but depend heavily on user engagement, health literacy, and technical challenges. Additionally, a U.S. study found that providing incentives for SNAP families to purchase healthy foods online increased their healthy food purchases and reduced food insecurity, highlighting the importance of addressing structural barriers and digital literacy to improve equitable access to nutritious options.