UK bans junk food ads to combat childhood obesity

Starting on October 2025, the United Kingdom will enforce a significant ban on junk food advertisements to safeguard children’s health.

This new rule will prevent online ads for junk food and restrict TV commercials before 9pm.

UK Health Minister Andrew Gwynne says these measures are essential to protect children from advertisements that can influence their eating habits from an early age.

Government statistics show that over one in five children are overweight or obese by the time they start primary school, with this figure rising to over one in three by the time they leave.

The ban targets foods classified as less healthy based on their nutrient content affecting a broad range of items.

This includes soft drinks with added sugars, such as cola and lemonade as well as savory snacks like crisps and crackers.

Breakfast cereals, chocolates, sweets, and ice cream are also covered, alongside cakes, biscuits, and ready meals.

Even items like pizza and certain potato products fall under the new rules.

This move aligns the UK with other nations like Norway and Portugal, which are also curbing junk food marketing to children.

The UK's initiative marks a bold step in addressing childhood obesity to set a strong example for other countries to follow in the fight against unhealthy eating.

 Source : BBC news