Thank you for contacting me about the proposed advertising ban for junk food.
Childhood obesity is one of the biggest health problems this nation faces, with one in every three children in England leaving primary school overweight or living with obesity. Obesity is associated with reduced life expectancy, and it is a risk factor for a range of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, at least 12 types of cancer, liver, and respiratory disease.
As you might be aware, in 2018, the Government set the ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030 and help adults reach a healthier weight.
Average sugar reduction across all food categories currently stands at around 3 per cent so there is more work to be done, although some individual product categories have delivered greater reductions (for example, breakfast cereals and yogurts at around 13 per cent, ice cream at around 6 per cent). Reductions of around 44 per cent have also been seen in those drinks that are subject to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, which came in to force in 2018, having been announced by Government in 2016. There has been clear progress in reducing the salt content of foods since salt targets were first set in 2006, for example, a 20 per cent reduction in salt in bread.
Through the Health and Care Act 2022, the Government plan to introduce a 9pm TV watershed for advertising products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) and a restriction of paid for HFSS advertising online. This had been due to come into effect on 1 January 2024, however the Government announced in December 2022 that it is delaying the implementation of the introduction of further advertising restrictions on TV and online for less healthy food and drink products until 1 October 2025.
Due to a delay to Royal Assent of the Health and Care Act 2022, and recognition that industry needs more time to prepare for the restrictions, in May 2022, Government announced a year delay to the implementation of these restrictions to 1 January 2024. However, following feedback from industry and the regulators, it has become apparent that there is insufficient time to prepare for implementation on the previously announced date of 1 January 2024. Furthermore, the Government recognised that businesses need time to reformulate their products. This is why the Government has decided to delay implementation of this policy until 1 October 2025.
Addressing obesity remains a priority for me and my Ministerial colleagues. Having a fit and healthy population is essential for a thriving economy. Some action has already been taken, such as new regulations on out of home calorie labelling for food sold in large businesses including restaurants, cafes and takeaways which came into force in April 2022 and restrictions on the promotion by location of products high in fat, salt or sugar which came into force in October 2022.
On the island, I am keen to promote local suppliers and producers and support ‘buy local’ schemes wherever possible. I would like to see the Island’s economy become more circular with Islanders buying local produce more often. In addition to cutting waste, this would reduce our food miles and support the Island’s local farmer, fisheries and other important industries.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.