The Institute of Public Health (IPH) recently responded to a UK-wide consultation on introducing further advertising restrictions on TV and online for products high in fat, salt or sugar. 

The consultation by the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and Department of Health & Social Care sought views on proposals to bring forward secondary legislation that will reduce children’s exposure to high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) product advertising on TV and online.

In IPH’s submission, the following points were highlighted:

• issues relating to the implementation and monitoring of the measure in the unique media, political and regulatory environment in Northern Ireland
• contextual issues relating to Northern Ireland’s obesity epidemic, patterns of food purchasing and consumption
• specific concerns on exemptions which hold the potential to dilute the impact of the regulations – specifically, alcohol substitute drinks, breast milk substitutes and baby food; SME businesses and services connected to regulated radio services and the audio-only exemption
• concerns regarding the potential for ongoing brand advertisement
• concerns regarding the long time period for implementation of the policy to 1 October 2025.