FSS situation report on the food and drink environment in Scotland

On 21 October 2020, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) updated its situation report on the food and drink environment in Scotland, highlighting the ongoing challenges for people to have a healthier diet. The report includes new consideration of the out-of-home environment, such as food bought ‘on the go’ and from deliveries and takeaways.

The data was captured prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore provides a baseline for further investigation on its impact on diet in Scotland.

In findings from the report: 

• There continues to be a lack of progress towards the Scottish dietary goals and improving obesity and diet-related poor health. 
• Two out of three people in Scotland remain either overweight or obese, with a higher proportion of people living with obesity in the most deprived areas. 
• Consumers continue to buy a lot of discretionary foods and drinks, such as confectionery, cakes, biscuits, pastries, savoury snacks and sugary drinks from shops and supermarkets, and these tend to be heavily promoted. 
• Food and drink purchased from the out-of-home environment tend to be less healthy, with fried chicken and burger meals and sides among the top takeaway meals and dishes. 
• People in Scotland support the food environment providing healthier food to make it easier to choose a healthier diet.

Source: FSS, 21 October 2020