Businesses are dodging the junk food ad ban

Today the UK’s new restrictions on unhealthy food marketing come into force, banning junk food adverts on TV before 9pm and online, aiming to protect children’s health.

Anna Taylor, executive director of The Food Foundation said, “Today marks a big, world leading, milestone, on the journey to protect children from being exposed to the onslaught of junk food advertising which is currently so harmful to their health. But let’s not forget it took more than seven years from when it was first announced to coming into force. In the meantime, companies are switching tactics and switching channels to reach children in different ways. Our data shows that spending on outdoor advertising increased by 28% between 2021 and 2024 and the legislation permits companies to switch from product advertising to brand advertising which is likely to significantly weaken its impact. We can’t stop here, we must remain focused on the goal – banning all forms of junk food advertising to children, and we must create a policy process which can be more responsive to industry tactics and less vulnerable to industry lobbying.”

Also pointing you to our latest post this morning on how big food companies aren’t letting up: Instagram @food.foundation