Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland has engaged with sector manufacturers to deliver a Reformulation for Health online guide in addressing high fat, sugar and salt regulations (HFSS), reports Neill Barston.

As previously reported by our title, the UK’s legislative landscape has been shifting towards greater regulation of the confectionery, snacking, and broader food sector in recent years.

This is in response to a continuing obesity crisis, which has seen official NHS health figures reveal that around a third of children being considered overweight on finishing junior school. This in turn has had a significant impact on national health resources, with billions being spent on treatment for patients with heart, diabetes and other major conditions that are linked to dietary considerations.

While HFSS guidelines have been adopted in England for the past four years, the regulations are now being applied north of the border in Scotland, in a bid to raise the health of the nation.  

The new free resource has been devised with the University of Stirling and University of Glasgow, with funding provided by Scotland Food & Drink.

As the Food and Drink Federation noted, its new HFSS Advice Tool will help manufacturers calculate a product’s Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) score and determine whether it is in scope of the regulations.

It shows how individual nutrients contribute to the score and where changes could improve a product’s nutritional profile and NPM score. It also highlights front-of-pack labelling and nutrition claims that may be achievable now or through reformulation, helping product developers make informed decisions.

The tool can also be used by retailers, with an interactive decision tree to help them understand what restrictions apply to their retail environment. It is the latest resource developed by the Reformulation for Health Programme, which provides free support to help Scottish SME food and drink manufacturers make their products healthier.

Joanne Burns, FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Manager, said:“The HFSS Advice Tool is more than a calculator, it’s a catalyst for healthier product innovation.

“By helping food and drink businesses understand NPM scores, front-of-pack labelling and health claims, while showing how close products are to achieving healthier outcomes, the tool empowers manufacturers to make informed decisions, measure progress and unlock opportunities for healthier products.

“I’m really excited that we can make this tool free for everyone to access and use, helping businesses understand the scope of the regulations and calculate the NPM score of their products.

“We want to make reformulation clearer, more achievable and more impactful for businesses across Scotland.”