Junk Food Ads Could Be Banned Online in the UK

After banning junk food advertisements on children's television, the United Kingdom may soon ban similar ads online. Some of the online content covered by this potential ban are those on YouTube and ITV Hub.

According to BBC, the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP), UK's advertising watchdog, is set to launch a public consultation on this issue. It noted that the junk food advertisement ban on television is not enough if these can still be streamed online.

In addition, the Evening Times mentioned that this move from CAP is aimed at addressing the problem of obesity in the United Kingdom. It explained that a ban could also be applied for print materials and even on billboards.

It was noted that an epidemic on childhood obesity has been reported in the UK. CAP also said that they are concerned with the increasing number of children who are forced to have their teeth taken out because they are already decaying.

Blouin News noted that the said measures are expected to improve the health of young individuals in the United Kingdom. It will also lessen the spending of the UK on obesity-related costs.

Cancer Research U.K. London director of prevention Alison Cox said in the similar report that a ban on unhealthy food advertisements will lessen cancer cases in the country. "To help prevent thousands of cancer cases we want a ban on junk food ads during family viewing times, a sugary drinks tax and more sugar taken out of food," Cox noted.

It was added in the BBC report that the ban on "the advertising of food high in fat, sugar and salt" for television started in 2007. However, it said that companies turned to online videos and photos to promote their products to the youth. Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) chief executive Guy Parker said they would receive constant questions why they ban junk food ads on TV but allow the same online.