Junk food ads ban to be delayed

GOVERNMENT plans to ban TV advertising for products high in fat, salt and sugar before 9pm will be delayed until January 2026, following concerns from food and media brands and confusion over enforcement guidelines.

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The delay to the ban, which was to have come into effect from October, comes as ministers prepare to amend legislation to ensure brand-only advertising, which does not show specific high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) products, is not caught under the rules.

Regardless, key industry stakeholders including ITV, Channel 4, the Advertising Association and the British Retail Consortium, have committed to complying with the restrictions from October 1. The restrictions will legally take effect on January 5.