Scotland: nutrition policy snapshot
This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national nutrition policy actions in Scotland. Compare Scotland with other European countries in our NOURISHING policy index.
Scotland implements nutrition and diet-related policy actions at national government level in 9 of the 10 policy areas in the NOURISHING framework. One policy area received a good assessment, referring to setting limits or removal of specific nutrients in food products (I1).
Lack of restrictions on sugar-sweetened beverage provisions in schools, of regulations on food availability within the school vicinity, and of fruit and vegetables initiatives have an impact on otherwise well-designed standards on school food (O). Gaps were identified in unhealthy food marketing to young people through point of sale measures, product design and packaging, and in/around schools (R).
Action at national government level is necessary on public food procurement policies and other policies to ensure food system coherence with health (H), and on providing nutrition advice and counselling in healthcare settings (N2). Greater action is needed in using financial incentives which increase the availability and affordability of healthy food to accompany the existing UK-wide tax on sugary drinks (U), and on improving current action on giving nutrition education in schools and to relevant professionals (G).
Download a full analysis and breakdown of Scotland’s results
This country snapshot presents detailed results of the NOURISHING policy index for Scotland. Full index results are outlined in the NOURISHING policy brief (pdf), which compares Scotland with other European countries and explains the methods for producing this snapshot and the index.
The index assesses if national government policy actions exist across all areas of the NOURISHING framework and, if so, how well designed they are. We produced this assessment by benchmarking policies from Scotland, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our NOURISHING database.
Overview of nutrition policy status in Scotland
Summary of policies reviewed
The policies assessed to produce this country snapshot are listed here. For more details, consult our NOURISHING policy database.
| Policy name | Area | Benchmark name |
|---|
| Health claims – GB | N | Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food |
| Nutrition claims | N | Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food |
| Nutrition declaration | N | Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food |
| The “Multiple Traffic Light” Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling – UK | N | Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food |
| Nutritional Requirements for food and drink in schools – Scotland, UK | O | Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings |
| Beyond the School Gate – Improving Food Choices in the School Community | O | Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings |
| Healthy eating in schools: guidance 2020 | O | Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings |
| The Free Fruit in Schools Initiative – Scotland | O | Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings |
| The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 – Scotland | O | Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings |
| Healthy eating in schools: guidance 2020 | O | Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings |
| Free School Meals – Scotland | U | Use economic tools to address food affordability and purchase incentives |
| The Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP Code) – UK | R | Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion |
| The Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (the CAP Code) – UK | R | Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion |
| The UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP Code) – UK | R | Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion |
| The Calorie Reduction Programme – UK | I | Improve nutritional quality of the whole food supply |
| Trans Fat Regulations – UK | I | Improve nutritional quality of the whole food supply |
| Reformulation For Health Programme run through the Food and Drink Federation Scotland | I | Improve nutritional quality of the whole food supply |
| Criteria for the Healthcare Retail Standard | S | Set incentives and rules to create a healthy retail and food service environment |
| National Planning Framework 4 | S | Set incentives and rules to create a healthy retail and food service environment |
| SGF Healthy Living Programme | S | Set incentives and rules to create a healthy retail and food service environment |
| Local Government Declaration on Healthy Weight | H | Harness food supply chain and actions across sectors to ensure coherence with health |
| Community Food and Health Scotland | H | Harness food supply chain and actions across sectors to ensure coherence with health |
| “No to Upsizing” Campaign | I(2) | Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness |
| The 5 A Day Campaign – UK | I(2) | Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness |
| The Eatwell Guide – UK | I(2) | Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness |
| Eat well, your way (FSS) | I(2) | Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness |
| Curriculum for Excellence | G | Give nutrition education and skills |
MOVING country snapshots
We also have snapshots of physical activity policies in 30 European countries. Visit the Scotland page or see all the country snapshots.
Get in touch
The policy landscape in any country evolves over time. These findings reflect our knowledge as of May 2023. To provide feedback or suggest updates, please get in touch.
Fill in our feedback form or email the team policy@wcrf.org
