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Implementation of advertising restrictions for less healthy food or drink on television and online
03 December 2024
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
At a Glance
Issue Summary
This statement addresses the implementation of advertising restrictions for less healthy food and drinks, including a 9pm watershed on television and a 24-hour restriction online.
Action Requested
The Government is laying the Advertising (Less Healthy Food Definitions and Exemptions) Regulations 2024 before Parliament to enact provisions from the Health and Care Act 2022. This includes publishing a response to a technical consultation on IPTV services and guidance for industry, with restrictions taking effect on October 1, 2025.
Key Facts
- The legislation amends the Communications Act 2003.
- Consultation on IPTV services was held between September and October 2024.
- Restrictions will be in place for products regulated by Ofcom from 9pm onwards on TV and a full 24-hour ban online.
- The restrictions are expected to remove 7.2 billion calories from UK children's diets annually and reduce obesity cases among 20,000 children.
- Obesity costs the UK health service over £11 billion each year.
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