Online Junk Food Advertising 2021-04-13
2021-04-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about ensuring fair treatment between online and traditional broadcasters regarding the ban on advertisements for unhealthy foods before 9 pm.
What steps does he plan to take to ensure a level playing field between online and mainstream broadcasters in implementing the proposed advertisement ban on foods high in fat, sugar, and salt before 9 pm?
We have made clear our intention to end the advertising of high fat, salt and sugar products on television before 9 pm. We recently held a short consultation on how to introduce advertising restrictions for online and we will publish our response soon. A level playing field is important.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
This question addresses the proposed ban on advertising unhealthy foods online, highlighting its potential to reduce calorie intake among children while also benefiting advertisers and companies.
Does the Minister agree that ending junk food marketing online is hardly an outrageous assault on our freedoms, would remove 12.5 billion calories a year from children's diets, and would allow advertisers and food companies to make plenty of money from producing and marketing healthy food?
Indeed I do. We are not banning food. It is very important to ensure people can make healthy choices by default, with full knowledge of what they purchase, leading to a balanced diet. This presents a great opportunity for companies.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about the ban's impact were avoided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question concerns the reported change in government plans regarding an online advertising ban for unhealthy foods, considering the prevalence of smartphones among children.
Sending condolences to Dr Allin-Khan. Given reports that the Government is dropping plans to ban ads online for high fat, sugar and salt products, with 50% of 10-year-olds owning smartphones and using video on demand services, wouldn't it be absurd to ban such advertising on mainstream TV where children watch little?
Agreeing that maintaining fairness is crucial, but if we were doing well in tackling childhood obesity and overweight issues, such measures wouldn't be necessary. The Minister will not pre-empt the consultation response due soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on changing plans or maintaining a TV ban were avoided.
Response accuracy