Healthy Checkout Revolution: The First U.S. County Bans Junk Food at Grocery Registers

• The ordinance applies to grocery stores and large retail food outlets of at least 2,000 sq. ft in the county’s unincorporated areas.

• At checkout lanes (or within about three feet of the register), only foods meeting certain nutritional criteria are allowed: no more than 5 g of added sugar and no more than 200 mg of sodium per serving (and unsweetened drinks).

• Items like candy, soda, chips and other high sugar/high salt “impulse buys” will no longer be placed in those prime checkout zones (though they will still be available elsewhere in the store).

• The ordinance is set to take effect in November 2025, after a final vote, with a one‑year grace period before enforcement.

This is an interesting case study for several reasons:

• Product placement matters: It underlines how the “last mile” in a shopping trip (checkout) can influence nutritional behaviour.

• Regulation meets retail: Retailers will need to adjust merchandising, inventory and layout to meet the new requirements.

• Opportunity for innovation: Food scientists, nutritionists and product‑developers can use this as a trigger to design healthier “impulse” foods that meet the criteria (≤5 g added sugar, ≤200 mg sodium) and are attractive for checkout zones.

• Consumer education & behaviour change: The shift is not just about removing items; it’s about creating environments where healthier choices are easier and more visible.