UK Enacts Rules Prohibiting Junk Food Advertisements
The newly enacted regulations forbid products designated as high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) from appearing in TV commercials before 9 pm local time, while completely blocking paid online promotions around the clock.
"Children will be protected from excessive exposure to unhealthy food adverts on television and online," the Department of Health announced in an official statement.
Officials project the policy will slash childhood obesity cases by 20,000 individuals and generate approximately £2 billion ($2.68 billion) in long-term healthcare savings, according to the department.
Current government data reveals 22.1% of children in England are overweight or obese when beginning primary school, with that figure surging to 35.8% by graduation.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton stated that restricting junk food advertising before 9 pm and banning paid online ads will reduce excessive exposure to unhealthy foods and help make healthier choices easier for parents and children.
Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, applauded the regulatory action, declaring children will finally be protected from the "worst offending" junk food advertisements.
Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, emphasized the need to improve children's health has "never been greater," as type 2 diabetes continues to rise among young people.
"Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and the condition can lead to more severe consequences in young people, leaving them at risk of serious complications like kidney failure and heart disease," she stated.
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