The nature of UK supermarkets' policies on checkout food and associations with healthfulness and type of food displayed: cross-sectional study.

摘要: Food choices are often determined by stimuli from our immediate surroundings, including strategic placement in shops to encourage impulse purchases. One example of this is food shop checkout areas. Recently a number UK supermarkets have voluntarily committed providing healthier foods. The aim study was document the nature current supermarket policies; determine whether there any differences healthfulness and type displayed at checkouts according presence or adhering their policies. Survey Cross-sectional observations 69 (covering 14 store formats) East England Feb-May 2017 foods on each ‘checkout journey’ (each possible route through area). Checkout were categorised as less healthy healthier, using Standard’s Agency’s Nutrient Profile Model, into groups. policies clear consistent, vague inconsistent, absent. differed between formats some Across included, two had no policy, six ‘clear consistent’ policies, ‘vague inconsistent’ In with consistent median 13 products per journey, which 35% healthy. Comparable figures for absent 15 (57%) 39 (90%) respectively (ps trend < 0.001). Whilst most policy fully adherent those inconsistent not. Most but not all consistent. Supermarkets display fewer lower proportion these than other supermarkets. adhere well these. More stores should be encouraged develop policy. This may require non-voluntary intervention.