Overview

This bill aims to restrict the advertising, marketing, and promotion of less healthy food and drinks to children in the UK. It defines "less healthy" foods and establishes penalties for violations, empowering the Food Standards Agency to create a classification system.

Description

The Food Products (Marketing to Children) Bill makes it an offense to advertise or promote "less healthy" food products to children under 16. "Less healthy" is defined according to the Food Standards Act 1999, with the Food Standards Agency tasked with creating a classification system. The bill covers various media, including broadcast (TV, radio) and non-broadcast (print, online, packaging, etc.).

Broadcast Media Restrictions:

For broadcast media, advertising of less healthy foods to children is banned between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm.

Non-Broadcast Media Restrictions:

For non-broadcast media, the restriction applies if the advertisement or promotion is targeted at children.

Penalties:

Offenders face an unlimited fine. The Secretary of State can request guidance on appropriate fine levels from the Sentencing Guidelines Council. The Secretary of State can also issue guidance on permitted advertising content and definitions related to brand association with less healthy products.

Food Standards Agency Role:

The Food Standards Agency is given the responsibility to create and publish a system for classifying foods as "less healthy." The Secretary of State must consult with the Food Standards Agency, the Office of Communications, and other relevant organizations before making regulations.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, costs may arise from enforcement, guidance development, and the Food Standards Agency's work in establishing the classification system for less healthy foods.

Groups Affected

• Food companies: Companies marketing less healthy foods to children will be significantly affected, facing potential fines and needing to adapt their marketing strategies.
• Broadcasters and media outlets: These groups will need to comply with the advertising restrictions, potentially impacting their revenue streams.
• Children: The bill aims to protect children from exposure to advertising that promotes unhealthy food choices.
• Parents and guardians: Indirectly affected through changes in children's exposure to food advertising.
• Food Standards Agency: Increased workload in developing a classification system and providing guidance.
• Office of Communications: Involved in consultations regarding regulations.

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