September 25, 2024

Junk Food Advert Bans on Public Transport to Combat Childhood Obesity

Junk food advertisements will be prohibited on select bus and train services as part of a new initiative aimed at reducing childhood obesity. The North East joins nine other regions in this effort, banning unhealthy food promotions on the Metro and bus services.

Mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness, emphasized that "enough is enough," labeling the targeting of children with such adverts as "predatory." The AdEnough campaign, initiated by chef Jamie Oliver, supports this move, stating it is a "vital step" due to the constant bombardment of unhealthy food messaging aimed at children.

This ban will be adopted by mayors in Greater Manchester, Liverpool, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and the West Midlands.

Recent reports from Newcastle City Council reveal that 11% of reception-age children and 26% of those in year six in the North East are classified as obese. National statistics indicate that over one in five children in England are overweight or obese by the time they start primary school, with that figure rising to more than one in three by the time they finish.

McGuinness stated that this pledge sends a strong message to junk food companies and aligns with broader national efforts to curb junk food advertising. The implementation will follow her plans to regain control of buses from private operators.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham remarked that young people deserve "the best possible start in life," commending the initiative as a challenge to junk food corporations.

The ban is already operational on London�s tubes and buses. Jamie Oliver praised the mayors for their proactive stance, calling it a "much-needed and vital step towards creating healthier, happier communities" in the UK, though he noted that more work is needed to address unhealthy food messaging.

Additionally, it was recently announced that online junk food adverts will be banned starting next year, alongside restrictions on TV advertisements before 9 PM, effective from October 2025.