Advertising Ban Fat, Sugar and Salt
2020-11-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
An assessment of the potential effectiveness of banning advertisements for products high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) online and on television.
What assessment has been made of the potential effectiveness of the proposal to ban the advertisement of products high in fat, sugar, and salt online and on television?
The Government published an impact assessment alongside the 720 consultation on HFSS advertising that considered both the health benefits and the costs. We will publish the Government's response to that consultation by the end of this year, and hold a short consultation as soon as possible on a total ban for advertising online.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific effectiveness of the HFSS advertising ban was not directly assessed in terms of health benefits or costs.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over the potential displacement effects of restricting HFSS advertising and ensuring a consistent regulatory approach across all platforms.
No one would question the Government's wish to reduce childhood obesity, but influencing this is a hugely complicated task that the Government should take time over. The proposal to restrict advertising products that are high in fat, salt and sugar brings the risk of displacement. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that any ban will not come into force until all factors have been properly considered, and that any strategy regime will hold online platforms to the same restrictions as broadcasters, along with similar sanctions?
My right hon. Friend himself is an advertisement for the benefits of healthy living, and he is absolutely right to draw attention to the risk that, by imposing measures in one area, one may simply displace advertising into another. That is why the Government have been absolutely plain that restrictions on post-watershed advertising on broadcasting will come into effect at the same time as a ban on HFSS advertising online.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP's specific concerns about thorough consideration and equal application of sanctions were not fully addressed.
Response accuracy