Wales’ parliament, the Senedd, recently passed tough anti-obesity legislation that will greatly limits stores’ ability to promote unhealthy snacks, especially those high in sugar, fat and salt.
While the law doesn’t outlaw the snacks, starting next March (2026), retailers will not be allowed to display them near cash registers, at the end of aisles nor prominently on their websites or in sales flyers, according to a report by BBC News. Full-sugar drink refills and some buy-one-get-one-free deals will end.
Smaller shops and those specializing in one product – such as sweet shops and chocolatiers – will be exempt. The restrictions are part of a wider effort, including encouraging manufacturers to revise ingredients in other products.
The foods that are "of most concern to childhood obesity," and therefore will not be allowed in key selling areas, are:
- Soft drinks
- Chocolate
- Sweets
- Cakes
- Ice cream
- Breakfast pastries
- Puddings
- Sweet biscuits
- Cereals
- Yoghurts
- Milk-based drinks with added sugar
- Juice-based drinks with added sugar
- Pizza
- Crisps and savoury snacks
- Ready meals
- Processed meat products such as burgers, chicken nuggets, breaded chicken/fish
- Chips and other potato products
The vote was close, 25-24. The rules were proposed last year and mirror those introduced in England since 2022, said the BBC.
