Junk food ad ban slammed
BORIS Johnson’s junk food advertising ban will result in kids eating just two fewer calories a day.
Ministers say barring ads before the 9pm watershed will reduce children’s annual calorie consumption by a whopping 7.2billion.
And they claim that will prevent 20,000 of them becoming obese.
But the figures become less dramatic when divided between the seven million youngsters aged five-16 who the ban is aimed at.
That equals an average drop of 1,028 calories each over 12 months – fewer than three calories a day.
Kate Halliwell, of the Food and Drink Federation, said: “Reducing children’s daily intake on average by two calories is just half a jelly bean. We are disappointed the Government is pressing ahead with its headline chasing policies.”
And Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: “While restrictions on junk food advertising are welcome, it’s clear we’ll need more far-reaching action to tackle the childhood obesity crisis.
“We need a radical strategy that helps families afford healthy food, widens access to sports and tackles child poverty.”
Public Health Minister Jo Churchill said: “Obesity is a complex problem caused by many factors to which there is no single solution.”