UK Bans Junk Food Ads Before 9pm and Online to Tackle Childhood Obesity
New UK rules ban television ads for junk food before 9pm and prohibit them entirely online, targeting childhood obesity that affects one in eight children aged 2-10.
CommunityGNGV Editorial Team4 min read
Television adverts for junk food are now only permitted in the UK after 9pm and not at all online, under new rules that came into force in January 2026, as reported by Positive News. The move is part of a drive to tackle childhood obesity.
The restrictions apply to products including sweets, pizzas, and ice creams. 'Bringing these long-awaited restrictions into force is an important step towards protecting children from relentless junk food advertising,' said Katharine Jenner of the Obesity Health Alliance.
The UK joins a growing number of countries taking action to protect children from unhealthy food marketing, reflecting a global shift toward prioritizing children's health.
