British media regulator, Ofcom, has confirmed that it will restrict television advertising of food and drink products high in fat, salt and sugar aimed at children under 16 years. They will phase this in from 1 April.
Health groups say the restrictions are too watered down and should take effect immediately rather than being phased in. They also criticise the ban for not covering TV programmes such as soaps that are popular with this age group. They want a ban on all TV advertising of junk food before 9:00 pm and recently introduced a private members Bill into parliament to do this.
Junk food ad rules too watered down, say health groups
Broadcast regulator Ofcom has introduced a ban on junk food advertising during all programmes aimed at children under 16 from 1 April. Health groups are not happy because broadcasters have more time to implement the proposals and junk food ads can still be broadcast before 9:00pm.
Read more: Guardian Unlimited, 23 Feb 2007
Ofcom publishes final Statement on the television advertising of food and drink products to children
British broadcasting regulator Ofcom has reached a final decision on advertising unhealthy food and beverages to children on television.
Ofcom concluded that it is “appropriate and necessary to adopt restrictions intended to reduce significantly the exposure of children under 16 to TV advertising of food that is high in fat, salt and sugar.”
Read more: Press release, Ofcom, 22 Feb 2007
British ban on junk food ads puts pressure on local industry
Australians comment on the British decision to ban advertising of junk food during children’s television programmes.
The SMH reports that state and territory health ministers are expected to call for tougher restrictions on TV junk food advertising to children, and that the opposition spokeswoman on health, Nicola Roxon, said Labor would consider a ban.
Read more: Sydney Morning Herald, 24 Feb 20
British Crackdown on Junk Food Ads Praised
The Center for Science in the Public Interest says the new British regulations are far superior to the situation in the US.
Read more: Center for Science in the Public Interest, 23 Feb 2007
Food industry slams UK ad ban
Read more: NutraIngredients, 23 Feb 2007