The battle raging over the advertising of less healthy food and drink products to children took a new turn this weekend.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell told the Guardian newspaper that she was planning to ask the new television regulator Ofcom to draw up a tough new code.


Given the currently exponential rise in child obesity rates, many experts are of the opinion that current regulation on food advertising to children is too lax. Jowell said that the government had a responsibility to protect children from forces beyond their control, and that current rules were not strong enough to do this. However, she did not go so far as to mention an outright ban on advertising foods high in sugar and fat to children.


Official figures for 2002 show that 8.5% of six-year-olds, and 15% of 15-year-olds are obese.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now