The Mayor of London, Sadiq Kahn has today announced proposals that would see ads for foods high in fat or salt or sugar (HFSS) banned from the entire Transport for London network.
The proposal, which includes bans on the London Underground, London Overground and the capital’s buses and bus shelters, as part of a package of measures to take on child obesity, has been put out for consultation.
We recognise that obesity is a serious public health issue which requires a holistic, evidence-led and proportionate response. The UK already has one of the strictest regulatory regimes in the world when it comes to advertising foods high in fat, salt and sugar and our members take their own responsibilities seriously.
We respect the Mayor’s decision to take action in London, welcome his holistic approach to tackling this issue and the opportunity to contribute directly to the consultation. However, we have concerns that the draft London Food Strategy pre-empts the Government's upcoming Childhood Obesity Strategy, expected in the coming weeks. We are proactively engaging with our members to inform the debate and to ensure any policy outcomes are effective, proportionate responses which reduce children’s exposure to HFSS products and protect an adult’s freedom of choice.
For further information on this issue, please contact Abi Slater.