The government’s plan to ban junk food ads on TV before 9pm from 2025 is welcomed by health authorities, marking a significant step in public health policy.
- The ban targets advertisements aimed at children and young people, addressing one of the biggest public health challenges: childhood obesity.
- Announced by the Labour government, the ban continues Conservative efforts initially proposed in 2021 and postponed for industry adjustment.
- Cllr David Fothergill of the Local Government Association supports the move, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches to combat obesity.
- The Royal Society for Public Health considers this ban a critical initiative for promoting a healthier future.
The government’s decision to ban junk food advertisements on TV before the 9pm watershed, effective from October 2025, has been positively received by health leaders. This regulation aims to shield children and adolescents from being targeted by promotions of unhealthy food products, reflecting a proactive stance in tackling childhood obesity.
The proposed ban was originally introduced by the Conservative government led by Boris Johnson in 2021 but faced delays to offer the industry sufficient time to adapt. The current Labour government’s confirmation to uphold this initiative indicates a continued commitment to addressing public health concerns.
Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, praised the legislative action, stating that restricting the advertising of unhealthy foods targeting younger audiences is essential. Fothergill highlighted that combating childhood obesity requires a whole systems approach, suggesting that local councils need enhanced authority to manage takeaway clustering and advert restrictions near schools.
Additional support for the ban comes from the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), which has described the measure as a crucial step towards fostering a healthier environment for the future generation. Simon Dixon, RSPH’s head of policy and public affairs, reiterated that childhood nutrition remains a long-standing priority crucial for building a healthier future.
The legislation includes a detailed method for identifying ‘less healthy’ products, originally termed as those high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS). Following feedback in 2022, the government promised clearer guidelines on product categories. Some products are exempt from these restrictions due to existing regulations, such as baby formula and diet replacements.
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne introduced a planned consultation to refine how these restrictions would apply specifically to Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), ensuring broad and effective enforcement.
The 2025 ban on junk food ads before 9pm represents a forward-thinking measure aimed at improving public health by reducing childhood obesity.
