Junk food advertising
Television adverts for unhealthy food could be banned as part of the government's new health legislation.
The public health white paper to be published on Tuesday will aim to force the industry to adopt tough self regulation or face a legal restrictions.
Stakeholder Response: British Retail Consortium
Richard Ali, director of food policy at the BRC, said: "When the government set up Ofcom to regulate television advertising it gave it the necessary powers to take action in this area if needed.
"However, Ofcom published the findings of its research into the effects of banning advertising to children earlier this year which showed that childhood obesity is a multifaceted problem and can only be solved by considered, targeted policy responses, not by an overly simplistic regulatory approach.
"A consistent government campaign promoting eating a balanced diet and taking exercise is essential if progress is to be made in solving this serious issue.
"The government should trust its own regulatory body and follow Ofcom's advice"
Stakeholder Response: National Consumer Council
Mike O'Neill, NCC senior researcher, said: "NCC would welcome controls on TV ads for junk food during programmes watched by children. It is something we called on Ofcom to consider during its recent review of the food advertising code.
"Along with wider action on diet and physical exercise, such a move would make a positive contribution. Citing
"In England, one in five boys and one in four girls under 15 are now either overweight or obese following a rapid acceleration in obesity over the last 10 years.If this acceleration in childhood obesity continues, more than half of our children will be obese by 2020.
"The Food Standards Agency's in-depth research into the impact of advertising on children's diets is firm evidence that justifies action to redress the imbalance in TV food advertising to children. It is currently biased towards foods that are high in salt, sugar or fat. For instance, in an NCC spot check of children's prime-time TV earlier this year, there were about 10 food adverts each hour – most of them promoting foods high in fat sugar or salt."
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