“It was a force for good but...”: a mixed-methods evaluation of the implementation of the High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) legislation in England.

Background: In 2022, legislation in England restricted products high in fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS) in prominent store locations. This study explores retail sector responses to the legislation’s implementation.Methods: Four retailers completed online surveys. Interviews were conducted with representatives from three retailers, the British Retail Consortium, and primary authority enforcement (n=15). Findings informed co-production workshops (n=3) to develop policy recommendations.Results: Stakeholders supported legislation aims but voiced concerns about complexities with interpretation and implementation, limited communication with government, access to product nutrition data, and delays to guidance. Retailers utilised various HFSS product promotional strategies while achieving compliance. Retailers reported very limited enforcement. Seven policy recommendations were identified.Conclusion: HFSS legislation represents a landmark shift in regulation of the retail food environment, but clearer, timely guidance, data provision, and transparent co-production with actors cognisant of the food sector is needed to ensure legislation is applicable, implementable, enforceable and facilitate evaluation.