December 4, 2024

expert reaction to government’s junk food ad ban legislation and detail of products in scope

Scientists comment on the government’s junk food advertising ban legislation. 

Prof Sarah Berry, Professor of Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, said:

“Overall, this is a solid first step and positive news for the health of our children.  There’s good evidence from decades of research that HFSS foods have a negative impact on health, particularly for children.  I’m especially pleased to see sugar-sweetened beverages on the list – countless studies have shown that these nutritionally-void products are linked to poor health outcomes.  That they are marketed to children at all is worrying.  Interestingly, many of the products on the list are snack foods, which is also good news.  As we know that children often eat healthy meals, but choose poor quality snacks.”

‘https://www.gov.uk/government/news/junk-food-ad-ban-legislation-progresses-to-curb-childhood-obesity

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restricting-advertising-of-less-healthy-food-or-drink-on-tv-and-online-products-in-scope/restricting-advertising-of-less-healthy-food-or-drink-on-tv-and-online-products-in-scope

Declared interests

Prof Sarah Berry: “Chief scientist at ZOE Ltd, options and consultancy at ZOE Ltd.”