Junk food adverts 'make healthy diet more difficult'

18 Apr 08

Source: Mental Health Foundation

The survey for consumer watchdog Which? found 84% of consumers want the Government to do more to control the marketing of unhealthy food to children.

The survey also revealed 83% think irresponsible advertising is making it harder to encourage children to eat healthy food.

Which? said rules governing junk food advertising on the internet and on packaging were weak or non-existent, while current regulations for television advertising did not apply to the programmes most watched by children.

A Bill to introduce robust restrictions on unhealthy food advertising to children is due for its second reading in Parliament next week. It aims to introduce a 9pm watershed for junk food advertising and protect children from other forms of marketing.