TV ads ban for unhealthy food and drink products in the UK

The measures were developed by the communications regulator Ofcom in response to rising levels of childhood obesity in the UK.

A total ban on adverts for unhealthy food and drink products around TV programmes for under-16s has come into force. It extends similar restrictions already in place for shows aimed at children under 10 years old. The new curbs affect commercials for food and drink products high in fat, salt and sugar. Adverts around youth-oriented and adult programmes which attract a significantly higher than average proportion of viewers under-16 will also be affected, Ofcom said. Children's TV channels will be allowed to phase in the full ban by the end of December 2008.