The FDF believes food and drink promotions bring varied and significant benefits to consumers, retailers and manufacturers. The benefits to consumers are significant; they reduce the cost of food and enable new innovations and brands to be brought to the market.
We do not believe that bans on promotion of certain food and drinks should be introduced. There is very limited evidence to suggest that this would help to reduce childhood obesity.
Promotional restrictions would limit companies’ ability to bring reformulated and smaller portioned products to the market. This will pose a real threat to companies trying to launch healthier products in line with Government reformulation programmes.
The FDF has responded to consultations on proposed restrictions in England and Scotland and continues to engage with Government to highlight our concerns. A consultation on promotional restrictions is also expected from the Welsh Government as part of their 'Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales' strategy.
The Department of Health and Social Care has published the consultation outcome for restricting promotions of HFSS food and drink. This confirms the Government intention to bring forward the proposed restrictions on promotion of HFSS products. The intention is to lay legislation by mid-2021.
DHSC also launched a consultation seeking views from businesses and enforcement bodies on the enforcement of restriction on HFSS product promotions. The consultation closes on 22 February 2021.
If members have any initial comments, please email these to amy.glass@fdf.org.uk
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On 10 November 2020, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) launched a consultation on a total ban on HFSS advertising online. The scope of the restrictions includes company websites and company social media channels, but there are exemptions for provision of factual information, business to business advertising and for the purposes of online sales.
At the time the consultation was launched, Government also reiterated its commitment to introduce a 9pm watershed for HFSS adverting on TV.
The consultation closed on 22 December 2020. FDF’s response can be viewed here.
FDF Scotland welcomes the announcement that the Scottish Government will not bring forward legislation to restrict the promotions of food and drink products.
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FDF members are committed to ensuring people have access to a wide range of food and drinks that can support a balanced lifestyle.
There are strict UK advertising codes, but tighter restrictions are proposed. We explain why a 9pm watershed is unlikely to affect obesity.
Reformulation, new product development and portion sizing are key actions for food and drink manufactures in the fight against obesity.
