A ban on junk food ads before the 9 p.m. watershed will go into effect at the end of next year, with increased online restrictions also being introduced.
The move is part of Boris Johnson’s efforts to fight obesity, with NHS research showing nearly two-thirds of adults in England are overweight or obese.
But the announcement ends before a total ban that had been proposed.
Small businesses with fewer than 250 employees will be exempt from the ban and allowed to promote foods high in fat, sugar and salt.
Restaurants, cafes and bakeries had expressed fears that the plans would prevent them from advertising the products on their own social media accounts.
Online, the ban will only apply to paid advertising.
This means that brands will be able to advertise in so-called “owned media” spaces, such as their own blog, website, app or social media page.
“We are committed to improving the health of our children and fighting obesity,” said Public Health Minister Jo Churchill.
“The content young people see can impact the choices they make and the habits they form. With children spending more time online, it is vital that we take action to protect them from unhealthy advertising.
“These measures are another key part of our strategy to make the nation fitter and healthier by empowering them to make more informed food decisions.
“We must take urgent action to level health inequalities.
“This action on advertising will help wipe billions of calories from the country and give our children a fair chance to lead healthy lifestyles.”
The plans were launched by the government in the Queen’s Speech last month, which outlined the prime minister’s legislative agenda.
There were criticisms at the time that the move was a “headline hunting policy” that would have little real impact.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, Sue Eustace, Director of Public Affairs for the Advertising Association, said: “We all want …
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-06-24 09:01:00