What is the UK government doing about junk food advertising to children?

The UK government is implementing stricter rules and has published an updated nutrient profiling model to identify and restrict advertising of 'less healthy' food and drink products to children.

When did the new rules on unhealthy food advertising come into effect in the UK?

Stricter rules on the advertising of unhealthy food came into full effect on January 5.

What is the potential impact of the updated nutrient profiling model on childhood obesity?

Early estimates suggest that applying the updated model to current restrictions could reduce childhood obesity cases by an additional 170,000.

Home / Health / Junk Food Ads Face Stricter UK Crackdown

Junk Food Ads Face Stricter UK Crackdown

27 Jan

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Summary

New nutrient profiling model targets unhealthy food ads.
Stricter rules ban high fat, salt, sugar ads on TV and online.
Updated model aims to reduce childhood obesity cases by 170,000.

Junk Food Ads Face Stricter UK Crackdown

The UK government is signalling a more robust approach to regulating junk food advertisements directed at children. This follows the recent implementation of stricter advertising rules on January 5. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published an updated nutrient profiling model (NPM), a tool used to identify "less healthy" products subject to advertising restrictions.

The current regulations, which prohibit television ads for unhealthy foods between 5:30 am and 9 pm and online ads at any time, apply to 13 categories considered significant contributors to childhood obesity. The new NPM introduces a lower threshold for free sugars, potentially including more desserts and seemingly healthier options like certain breakfast cereals and yoghurts.

This revision, first proposed in 2018 but previously delayed, is intended to align with current health advice. Early projections suggest that applying the updated model could lead to an additional 170,000 fewer cases of childhood obesity. However, the food industry has expressed concerns that the new model may inadvertently restrict the promotion of healthier options and undermine previous investments.