Children will be shielded from junk food advertising during peak TV viewing hours from today as a long delayed crackdown on promotions for foods high in fat, sugar and salt finally becomes law. The new rules ban adverts for so-called junk food on television before 9pm and prohibit paid-for online advertising altogether. Ministers say the measures are aimed squarely at reducing the constant commercial pressure on children to consume unhealthy food. First announced in 2020, the advertising ban was originally due to come into force in 2023 but was repeatedly delayed. 'We can't stop here, we must remain focused on the goal: banning all forms of junk food advertising to children.'

Source: Daily Mail January 05, 2026 15:06 UTC