Ban on Junk Food Ads Before 9pm to Start in 2025
Starting October 1, 2025, a ban on junk food ads on TV before 21:00 aims to combat childhood obesity. This measure includes a ban on paid-for online adverts and follows the Labour’s electoral pledge. The Royal Society for Public Health supports this move, and the government will provide further guidance on product categorizations.
Starting October 1, 2025, junk food adverts will be banned on TV before 21:00, as confirmed by the government.
This measure aims to tackle childhood obesity and includes a total ban on paid-for online advertisements for unhealthy foods.
Initially proposed by the Conservatives in 2021 under Boris Johnson, the ban was delayed to allow the industry time to prepare.
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne emphasized the urgency of these restrictions to protect children from exposure to unhealthy food and drink ads.
The Labour party included the pre-watershed ban in their recent electoral manifesto, and the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) hailed this move as essential for building a healthier future.
The government has also detailed a two-stage approach for defining 'less healthy' products and plans to provide further guidance on product categories.
Some items, such as baby formula and medicinal drinks, will be exempt.
Additionally, a four-week consultation will refine how these restrictions apply to IPTV. This announcement coincides with PM Sir Keir Starmer's broader NHS reform plan, which includes transitioning to a digital healthcare system and focusing on preventive care to reduce obesity-related pressures.
This measure aims to tackle childhood obesity and includes a total ban on paid-for online advertisements for unhealthy foods.
Initially proposed by the Conservatives in 2021 under Boris Johnson, the ban was delayed to allow the industry time to prepare.
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne emphasized the urgency of these restrictions to protect children from exposure to unhealthy food and drink ads.
The Labour party included the pre-watershed ban in their recent electoral manifesto, and the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) hailed this move as essential for building a healthier future.
The government has also detailed a two-stage approach for defining 'less healthy' products and plans to provide further guidance on product categories.
Some items, such as baby formula and medicinal drinks, will be exempt.
Additionally, a four-week consultation will refine how these restrictions apply to IPTV. This announcement coincides with PM Sir Keir Starmer's broader NHS reform plan, which includes transitioning to a digital healthcare system and focusing on preventive care to reduce obesity-related pressures.