According to plans by Minister of Nutrition Cem Özdemir, advertising for foods with too much sugar, fat and salt aimed at children is to be restricted by law. “We have to ensure that children can grow up healthier,” said the Green politician on Monday in Berlin.
Previous voluntary commitments have failed when it comes to child protection. Among other things, with a view to under-14s, advertising bans are to come in “all media relevant to children”. Accordingly, such advertising should be inadmissible between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. if it can also be seen regularly by children.
The determination of excessive sugar, fat or salt content should be based on the nutritional value calculations of the World Health Organization (WHO). Outdoor advertising on posters for such unhealthy products within a radius of 100 meters around schools, daycare centers, playgrounds and leisure facilities for children should also be inadmissible. Sponsorship of foods high in sugar, fat or salt to children should also be banned.
Consumer and medical groups have long been pushing for action on the marketing of children’s products. The SPD, FDP and Greens have agreed in the coalition agreement: “In the future, programs and formats for under 14-year-olds will no longer be allowed to advertise food with a high sugar, fat and salt content aimed at children.” A restriction on advertising aimed at children is also mentioned in Özdemir’s key points for a nutrition strategy, which the Federal Cabinet approved shortly before Christmas.
