Archive · 6 Jan 2026
UK Bans Junk Food Ads Before 9 PM
The UK government is stopping TV ads for unhealthy foods like burgers, sugary cereals, and fizzy drinks before 9 PM.
They also won't allow these ads online.
This is to help kids eat healthier and fight obesity.
The government says this will help kids eat 7.2 billion fewer calories each year, making 20,000 fewer children obese.
They also think this will save the country £2 billion in the long run.
The health minister, Ashley Dalton, says this is about preventing health problems before they start.
Some people think the government is being too strict, but many food companies are now making healthier options.
The government is also making other changes, like increasing the sugar tax and stopping fast-food restaurants from being near schools.
UK bans TV ads for high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar foods before 9 PM.
Total ban on online paid ads for these foods.
Expected to remove 7.2 billion calories per year from kids' diets.
Aims to reduce 20,000 cases of childhood obesity and save £2 billion long-term.
Health Minister Ashley Dalton emphasizes prevention over punishment, with additional measures like expanded sugar tax and restrictions on fast-food near schools.
- Who
- UK Government
- What
- Ban on TV ads for high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar foods before 9 PM
- When
- Immediate implementation
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- To reduce childhood obesity and improve public health
- Ban Time
- Before 9 PM on TV
- Ban Scope
- High-fat, high-salt, high-sugar (HFSS) foods
- Expected Calorie Reduction
- 7.2 billion calories per year
- Expected Health Impact
- 20,000 fewer obese children
- Expected Cost Savings
- £2 billion long-term
- Health Minister
- Ashley Dalton
- Additional Measures
- Expanded sugar tax, restrictions on fast-food near schools