Our response to Scottish Government consultation on Mandatory Calorie Labelling in the Out of Home (OOH) sector - June 2022

The Scottish Government are currently consulting on the introduction of mandatory calorie labelling in the out of home (OOH) sector in Scotland. The consultation fulfils a pledge made in the Out of Home Action Plan published in 2021. 

The consultation is seeking views on whether the provision of calorie information in OOH settings at the point of choice should be mandatory, and if so, in what manner the information should be provided, if there should be any exemptions, and if there will be any wider impacts, such as on health inequalities, to be considered. 

In our response, we outline that mandatory calorie labelling should be introduced to all OOH food businesses, including micro and small businesses, in Scotland at all points of sale, including online. Micro and small businesses make up a significant proportion of OOH food businesses in Scotland and it is therefore important that they are included in the regulations. For micro and small businesses, there needs to be financial support and advice and guidance provided to support them to implement calorie labelling. Menus marketed at children should also be included in the regulations. 

Additionally, calorie information should be provided in the same font and size and be located beside the price, and should include a reference statement detailing recommended daily calorie intake, to help provide context. Items such as seasonal goods on sale for less than 30 consecutive days, alcoholic drinks, create your own options, and condiments should also be included in calorie labelling requirements and regulations. 

Providing consumers with calorie information at the point of choice can help them to lower their calorie intake, and can encourage businesses to reformulate their menu options to contain less calories, making them healthier, with a greater proportion of healthier food on offer to consumers.

The consultation closes on 1st July 2022.