CAP have released a consultation update on media restrictions on advertisements for “less healthy” food and drink products, which you can view here.
Rob Newman, ISBA’s Director of Public Affairs, said:
“The previous Conservative administration and the current Labour Government have been crystal clear that the focus of the ‘less healthy’ food and drink restrictions is identifiable products, and that brands should be able to continue to advertise. This is important not only to incentivise reformulation – a key aim of the restrictions – but also to ensure continued investment and growth.
“When MPs were debating the Health and Care Bill which brought in the LHF changes in the last Parliament, we consistently argued that the exemption for brand advertising should be written into the legislation, not least to avoid problems of this kind. Ministers at the time told Parliament that this was unnecessary, but it has proven to be essential.
“The regulator was handed a real hospital pass and has been striving to create workable guidance. ISBA has been and will continue to be closely engaged with CAP/BCAP as it works to complete this process.
“Brand owners sorely need urgent clarity on what they can and cannot put in their ads. For many, this is absolutely business critical. We are in close contact with government as we try and untangle this Gordian knot and ensure that the stated policy is implemented in time for October.”