Public asked for views on food advertising
A public consultation organised by the Government will ask consumers for their views on ways to reduce the number of adverts seen by children for foods that may be high in fat, sugar and salt.
The restrictions will allegedly limit children’s exposure across the media they engage with most.
In a statement the Government said the proposed restrictions have been designed with a view to encourage industry to develop healthier alternatives. The Government also points to data which shows children are spending many hours each week watching television and an increasing amount of time online.
The consultation sets out proposals to tighten advertising restrictions. The restrictions will allegedly limit children’s exposure across the media they engage with most, as part of efforts to tackle childhood obesity. Measures being considered include a 9.00pm watershed ban on TV, online streaming sites and social media.
The proposals would target foods that contribute most to children’s intake of calories. The restrictions would not apply to everyday staples like butter, oil or meat. As part of the consultation, the Government will consider the impact that further advertising restrictions may have on business, particularly broadcasters.
Steve Brine, Public Health Minister.
Commenting on the proposed consultation, Steve Brine, Public Health Minister, said: “It is not right that our children are so widely and easily exposed to adverts promoting foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Small amounts of excess calories every day over a long time causes obesity and all the associated health concerns.
“We are, however, clear: there is no one solution, so our world-leading plan is about joined-up action across a range of areas so we tackle childhood obesity from every possible angle.
“The NHS is already preparing to treat more and more children for the serious effects of extreme obesity in the future – so we have a duty to address the underlying causes because we believe passionately in our NHS.
“This isn’t about banning everyday staples like butter and olive oil. It’s about reducing children’s exposure to those products that have little nutritional value but that are part of a wider climate that is driving childhood obesity.”
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