Starting in October 2025, the UK will implement a ban on online junk food advertisements, along with TV ads for unhealthy foods before 9:00 PM, as part of efforts to tackle childhood obesity. Health Minister Andrew Gwynne stated the ban aims to protect children, who are heavily influenced by food advertising. Currently, over one in five children in England are overweight or obese by primary school age.
The ban applies to foods classified as “less healthy” based on their nutritional content, including categories like soft drinks, snacks, sweets, ice cream, cakes, biscuits, pizza, ready meals, and more. Certain foods, like infant formula, weight control products, and medicinal drinks, are exempt.
This policy builds on previous measures, such as restrictions on junk food ads during children’s programming (2009), a soft drinks tax (2016), and calorie labeling in restaurants (2022). Together, these initiatives aim to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and curb rising obesity rates in children.
That’s such an interesting topic! I think it’s great that the UK is taking steps to tackle childhood obesity, especially with how influential ads can be on kids. I wonder, do you think these changes will actually make a difference in kids’ eating habits, or do you think parents will still have a big role in that? Also, I’m curious if other countries are considering similar measures!
It’s interesting how the restrictions target both online ads and TV ads before 9:00 PM, since children are influenced by marketing on both platforms. The definition of “junk food” based on nutritional content seems broad, covering a lot of common products like snacks, pizza, and soft drinks, which could really make an impact on consumption patterns.