Archive · 5 Jan 2026
UK Bans Junk Food Ads on TV and Online
The UK has started a new rule that stops junk food ads on TV before 9 pm and online.
This is to help kids eat healthier and not get too much junk food.
The government says this will take away a lot of calories from kids' diets and help many children not be overweight.
They also gave local leaders the power to stop fast food shops from opening near schools.
Some people who work in media are not happy about this, but health groups are happy because they think it will help kids be healthier.
UK enforces ban on daytime TV and online junk food ads to tackle childhood obesity.
Ban targets processed and fast foods high in fat, salt, or sugar, expected to remove 7.2 billion calories from children's diets annually.
Restrictions apply to businesses with 250 or more employees, protecting smaller companies.
Local authorities can now prevent fast food shops from setting up near schools.
Government aims to reduce childhood obesity by 20,000 and deliver £2 billion in health benefits.
- Who
- UK government and health ministry
- What
- Ban on daytime TV and online junk food advertising
- When
- Monday, December 2024
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- To curb childhood obesity and promote healthier eating habits
- Ban Start Date
- Monday, December 2024
- Targeted Foods
- Processed and fast food high in fat, salt, or sugar
- Expected Calorie Reduction
- 7.2 billion calories per year
- Projected Obesity Reduction
- 20,000 children
- Health Benefits
- £2 billion ($2.7 bln)
- Affected Businesses
- Companies with 250 or more employees
- Additional Measures
- Extended sugar tax on pre-packaged items and power to local authorities to stop fast food shops near schools
