Two-for-one junk food deals will reportedly be banned in the UK Government's efforts to reduce childhood obesity, as will 'guilt lanes' of sweets by supermarket checkouts.
According to the Telegraph, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt wants to introduce new laws in order to tackle childhood obesity.
Included in this proposed legislation is a 9pm watershed on adverts for food high in sugar and salt, which would be implemented from 2020.
The Telegraph also reports that ministers are thinking of banning the use of celebrities or cartoon characters in junk food advertisements.
As well, ministers are considering making the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 illegal and barring unlimited refills on sugary soft drinks in dining establishments.
The reports says, according to the newspaper:
"Where food is placed in shops and how it is promoted can influence the way we shop and it is more common for HFSS (high in fat sugar and salt) products to be placed in the most prominent places in store as well as sold on promotion, eg with ‘buy one get one free’ offers."
As far as TV adverts go, the watershed could provide huge change for how much junk food promotion children are exposed to.
A recent study found that 70 percent of TV campaigns for HFSS foods went out before the proposed 9pm watershed, the Guardian reports.
Looking at the possible legislation, what are your thoughts on this approach? How do you think childhood obesity is best tackled?
