UK government confirms TV ban on pre-9pm junk food adverts | Food & drink industry

The government has confirmed it is to introduce a pre-9pm ban on junk food advertising on TV and tighten restrictions online, as reported by the Guardian on Wednesday.

The new restrictions, which come into force from the end of next year, have been branded as “draconian” by the advertising industry.

The rules, which will ban the advertising of products deemed to be high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS), will not apply to marketing by smaller companies of less than 250 employees.

“We are committed to improving the health of our children and tackling obesity,” said Jo Churchill, public health minister. “The content youngsters see can have an impact on the choices they make and the habits they form. With children spending more time online, it is vital we act to protect them from unhealthy advertising.”

Some foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt that are not viewed as traditional “junk food” – such as honey, Marmite and avocados – will still be allowed to feature in advertising.

The tightening of restrictions online mean that paid-for ads on sites including Facebook and Google by big brands will also be banned. However, companies will be able to show marketing on their own websites and social media accounts.