REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · UK
UK implements pre-9pm TV and full-online junk-food advertising ban
Change
The UK implemented a ban on advertising foods high in fat, salt and sugar before 9pm on TV and across online platforms, which came into force on 5 January.
Why it matters
The ban applies to foods high in fat, salt and sugar on television before 9pm and to online advertising in full. The measures came into force on 5 January. The government stated the restrictions would remove 7.2bn calories from children’s diets each year. Estimates indicate the rules cover only £190m, about 8% of the £2.4bn annual food-and-drink advertising spend; another cited figure was 1%.
Implications
- • Only a small share of the £2.4bn annual food-and-drink advertising market falls under the ban (estimates: £190m/8% and 1%).
- • Gaps and loopholes in the regulations narrow the set of ads subject to the restrictions.
- • HFSS advertising is prohibited on TV before 9pm and across online platforms as of the effective date.
Who is affected
- • Food and drink advertisers and marketers
- • TV broadcasters
- • Online advertising platforms and publishers
- • Public-health policymakers and officials
What to watch
- • Effective date: 5 January
Source
Topics
World & Politics Policy & Regulation Health & Medicine Public Health Agriculture Food & Beverages