Britain has proposed a ban on online advertising of unhealthy foods (online junk food) on Tuesday. It is as part of its efforts to tackle obesity and improve public health. Moreover, it becomes more urgent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government says obesity is one of Britain’s biggest long-term public health problems. The problem is almost two-thirds of adults in England overweight. And also one in three children leaving primary school overweight or obese.
Measures published by the government would, if implemented, ban online adverts for foods high in fat, sugar and salt.
“We know as children spend more time online, parents want to be reassured they are not being exposed to adverts promoting unhealthy foods, which can affect eating habits for life,” health minister Matt Hancock said in a statement.
The risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 can increase cause of being overweight. Prime Minister Boris Johnson highlighted this fact. He has publicly talked about his own need to lose weight since he was sick due to the disease.
The government said earlier this year it wanted to ban television and online advertising for unhealthy foods before 9 p.m, but the draft measures published on Tuesday would go further and introduce a total ban online.
This would include paid-for adverts and search listings. Adverts pushed directly on mobile devices and viral advertisements – content produced with the aim of being widely shared on social media. There also a ban for oOther forms of online advertising.
The consultiation with the industrustry is important due to this plan, the public and other interested parties over the next six weeks.
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