Europe bans daytime junk food ads for kids starting October 2025

Starting October 1, 2025, the British government will enforce a ban on junk food advertisements aimed at children before 9:00 p.m. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat the rising rates of childhood obesity in the UK. A spokesperson from the Department for Health and Social Care emphasized the importance of this measure in alleviating pressure on the National Health Service and ensuring a healthier future for children. The ban will encompass not only television ads but also online advertisements, targeting a wide range of unhealthy food products. These include soft drinks, snacks, breakfast cereals, sweets, and ready meals, among others. The decision follows alarming statistics indicating that a significant percentage of children in England are overweight or living with obesity, with 36% of 10- to 11-year-olds and 21.3% of 4- to 5-year-olds affected. This policy aligns with the Labour Party's manifesto commitment made prior to the July 2024 General Election, highlighting the urgency of addressing the childhood obesity crisis. The government aims to create a healthier environment for children by limiting their exposure to unhealthy food marketing. In the context of rising obesity rates, similar legislative efforts are being observed in other regions, such as New York, where laws are being introduced to regulate misleading food advertisements targeted at young audiences. The UK’s new advertising restrictions reflect a growing recognition of the need for protective measures against unhealthy food marketing directed at children.