UK to ban junk food advertisements on television before 9 PM starting October 2025

From October 1, 2025, advertisements for junk food will be banned on British television before 9 PM. Additionally, promoting “unhealthy” food online through social media and other platforms will also be completely prohibited. This definition includes foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Andrew Gwynne, a member of Parliament from the Labour Party, presented these plans to the House of Commons yesterday.

The ban has been in the works for some time and is part of the government’s public health policy aimed at encouraging children in the UK to consume less fast food and sweets. This initiative was set in motion by the Conservative government, which has promised such measures for years but has repeatedly postponed their implementation.

Initially, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the advertising ban was scheduled to take effect in January 2023. However, Sunak decided to delay the ban by two years when the deadline approached. This decision was met with significant backlash, with critics arguing that Sunak prioritized the interests of large corporations over children’s health.