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 specifies penalties for those who violate the restrictions.

Description

The Food Products (Marketing to Children) Bill makes it an offense to advertise or promote "less healthy" food products to children (under 16) across various media. "Less healthy" foods will be defined by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This includes broadcast media (TV, radio) between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm, and non-broadcast media (print, online, packaging etc.) if targeted at children. The bill outlines penalties as unlimited fines, with the possibility of further sentencing guidance. The Secretary of State will create regulations regarding permitted advertising content and the definition of "associated with" a brand. The FSA is given a duty to establish a system for classifying less healthy foods. The Bill applies across the UK.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending increases or decreases. The costs associated with enforcing the legislation and the work of the Food Standards Agency in defining "less healthy" foods would be incurred. However, no exact figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Food companies: May face significant changes to their marketing strategies and potential penalties for non-compliance.
• Advertising agencies: Will need to adapt their campaigns to comply with the new regulations.
• Broadcasters and media outlets: Will face restrictions on advertising times and content.
• Children: The intended beneficiaries, potentially exposed to fewer advertisements for less healthy food.
• Food Standards Agency (FSA): Responsible for defining "less healthy" foods and creating the classification system.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for creating and enforcing regulations.

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