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Do we need an advertising ban on children's candy?

Federal Food Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) wants to ban junk food advertising for under-14s.

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Do we need an advertising ban on children's candy?

Federal Food Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) wants to ban junk food advertising for under-14s. From 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., TV advertising aimed at children will no longer be allowed for foods high in sugar, fat or salt. A courageous step, because Özdemir puts himself in the line of fire of those critics who brand his party as the number one ban party at every opportunity.

The advertising ban has the potential to prevent children from becoming obese and thus from later leading a life marked by diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Eating habits are formed in childhood that remain for a lifetime.

As expected, Özdemir was met with indignation, tenor: why not leave the responsibility to the parents? But this argument doesn't work. Unfortunately, many parents lack the basic knowledge of how to eat healthily. And the ban can help the children of these parents in particular.

The author has three children and knows how difficult it is for them to resist advertising messages.

Germany should be as dignified everywhere as it is on the Outer Alster in Hamburg between the sailing dock and the “Atlantic” hotel. "For sweets, I only eat really high-quality champagne truffles," I recently heard a visibly well-off Hanseatic woman say to her companion. Well, a classy world where flavored lumps of sugar and palm-fat chocolate weren't advertised as the pinnacle of indulgence would be nice.

But advertising bans, which threaten the almost complete end of TV spots with reference to child protection, would not ensure more gourmets. But only for lengthy legal disputes between industry and the state about the interpretation of every detail. Voluntary commitments by the manufacturers, who have long since eliminated the worst advertising excesses, would become obsolete.

One thing will never change: as long as there are candies and chips, kids (and some adults) will love the junk food kick, not champagne truffles. No law can afford nutritional awareness – only parents.

It's easy for the author to talk, he never stands in front of the grouchy goods at the supermarket checkout with small children.

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