Unhealthy food and drink advertising bans

Yesterday, the Government published its  response to the consultation on the draft secondary legislation for the advertising restrictions for less healthy products (also referred to as products high in fat, salt or sugar) on television and online, which are due to come into force UK-wide on 1st October 2025

Commenting on the consultation response to the BMJ, Greg Fell, ADPH President said:

“Consumption of unhealthy food and drink is linked to a range of avoidable conditions including many cancers, respiratory, heart and liver disease, and mental health disorders. In fact, nearly 89% of deaths in England are attributable to these types of non-communicable disease.

“There is compelling evidence that the marketing of unhealthy food and drink to children influences both purchasing and consumption of these harmful products, and we know that food and drink habits are formed at an early age. So, if we want to reduce the number of people experiencing these conditions, both now and in the future, then we have to do more to protect children from the targeted marketing and advertising campaigns that are helping to drive consumption.

“This type of advertising ban on television and online is long overdue and would be a big step in the right direction to creating a healthier environment – one where junk food is not seen as the norm – for our children.”