UK Bans Unhealthy Food Ads on TV and Online

New regulations banning advertisements for unhealthy foods and drinks took effect across the United Kingdom on Monday, prohibiting promotions of products high in fat, salt, and sugar during television broadcasts from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and across all online platforms at any time. The measure, enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority, targets childhood obesity in a country where one in 10 children entering reception is already obese and one in five experiences tooth decay by age five.

The restrictions apply to items in 13 categories linked to higher obesity rates among young people, including soft drinks, chocolates and sweets, pizzas, ice creams, breakfast cereals, porridges, sweetened bread products, and main meals or sandwiches. Products within these groups undergo evaluation using a nutrient profiling tool that scores levels of saturated fat, salt, sugar, and other elements. Only those meeting thresholds for being less healthy face the advertising limits. Healthier alternatives in the same categories remain eligible for promotion, a provision government officials hope will prompt food companies to reformulate recipes for better nutritional profiles. Advertisements...