The government has released a list of junk foods that will be banned from advertisements before 9pm in 2025 in an effort to tackle childhood obesity. The list includes foods such as crumpets, roast potatoes, porridge oats, and ice cream, among others. These foods were determined to be unhealthy for children based on a nutrient profiling model from 2004 to 2005. This means that many childhood favorites like fish fingers and smiley-faced potatoes may no longer be advertised to children.
The ban includes a wide range of food categories, such as soft drinks, savory snacks, breakfast cereals, confectionery, cakes and cupcakes, sweet and chocolate bar biscuits, morning goods, desserts and puddings, sweetened yoghurt, and pizza. The government has also included foods like protein shakes, alcoholic drinks, and ice cream alternatives in the list of banned items. The regulations aim to protect children from unhealthy foods and promote healthier eating habits.
Some foods that have been deemed less healthy include granola, muesli, ready-to-eat cereals, hot cross buns, Christmas pudding, crumpets, croissants, scones, pancakes, pies, tarts, cheesecake, sponge puddings, rice pudding, crumbles, and fruit fillings. In the category of sweet and chocolate bar biscuits, items like ice cream wafers, cereal bars, shortbread, and coated chocolate biscuits have also been included. The ban will also cover potato and sweet potato products, such as roast potatoes, hash browns, fries, and wedges.
The government’s list also targets ready meals, breaded and battered foods, and sandwiches. This includes a wide range of products, such as Chinese, Thai, Italian, and traditional ready meals, as well as breaded vegetable, fish, meat, and poultry. Foods like fish fingers, chicken nuggets, and chicken Kievs are also included. However, sushi, fajita meal kits, and dried noodle products will not be banned from advertising before the watershed.
While the ban aims to promote healthier eating habits and reduce childhood obesity, it has sparked controversy over the inclusion of seemingly healthy foods like porridge oats and crumpets. Some critics argue that these foods are nutritious and should not be classified as junk foods. However, the government has defended its decision by using a nutrient profiling model to determine which foods are less healthy and should not be advertised to children.
Overall, the government’s ban on junk food advertising before 9pm in 2025 covers a wide range of food categories, including soft drinks, savory snacks, breakfast cereals, confectionery, cakes, ice cream, sweet and chocolate bar biscuits, morning goods, desserts, sweetened yoghurt, pizza, and ready meals. While the ban is intended to protect children from unhealthy foods, it has raised concerns about the classification of certain foods as less healthy. As the regulations come into force, it will be important to monitor their impact on children’s eating habits and overall health.
