Government Confirms 9PM Junk Food Ad Ban and Online Advertising Restrictions to Combat Childhood Obesity

Prohibition on advertising unhealthy food before 9pm to be implemented next year

The current administration has confirmed it will proceed with the initiatives, initially introduced by the Conservatives in 2021 but subsequently postponed on two occasions.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Thursday, September 12, 2024, 1:

The government has announced that starting in October 2025, there will be a ban on television advertisements for junk food before 9pm.

This will be accompanied by a comprehensive prohibition on paid online advertisements for unhealthy food, as part of initiatives aimed at addressing childhood obesity.

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The recently introduced regulations fulfill a promise made in the Labour Party's manifesto to enact these limitations, and the schedule has been established to "offer clear guidance" to companies, stated Health Minister Andrew Gwynne.

In a formal statement confirming the initiatives, he stated: "Implementing these restrictions will safeguard children from exposure to advertisements for less healthy foods and beverages, which research indicates shapes their dietary choices starting at an early age."

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During his tenure as prime minister in 2021, Boris Johnson endorsed a policy to prohibit advertisements for unhealthy food before 9pm. However, the implementation of this policy was postponed on two occasions.

The Conservative Party expressed their intention to assess how the restrictions affect both consumers and businesses, considering the ongoing cost of living crisis. These regulations are set to be implemented in October 2025.

Mr. Gwynne affirmed that Labour would adhere to the established schedule, stating, "This offers the certainty that companies have been seeking and will assist them in getting ready for the new regulations that will be implemented throughout the UK on October 1, 2025."

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He mentioned that over 20% of children in England are either overweight or obese when they begin primary school, and this number increases to over one third by the time they finish.

"He emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that this includes enforcing limits on television and online advertisements for junk food."

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Labour has initiated action by releasing the former administration's feedback to the 2022 consultation regarding the proposed regulations, clarifying the criteria for the products, enterprises, and services targeted by these limitations.

A month-long consultation is set to define the application of regulations to Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), which streams live television via the internet.

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A recent survey revealed that 80% of adults are in favor of prohibiting advertisements for unhealthy foods targeted at children on television and digital platforms.

The British Heart Foundation is urging the government to extend the current ban to include billboards, radio ads, and sports sponsorships, as part of a broader initiative that also proposes taxes on salt and sugar.

Labour's agenda does not include these elements, although its platform does pledge to prohibit the sale of energy drinks to those under 16.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has dismissed criticisms of overreach, stating that his party will not remain passive as childhood obesity rates climb.

The current administration aims to nurture "the healthiest generation to date," emphasizing preventive measures to address issues within the NHS.

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