In the face of heavy criticism from business, Federal Food Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) has defended the advertising restrictions he is planning for unhealthy food. “I have a clear stance when weighing up market interests and protecting the health of our children,” he told the editorial network Germany. “I don’t think it’s a good way to make money by ruining children’s health.”
According to the minister’s plans, children should no longer see advertising for unhealthy foods. Özdemir presented his plans for binding rules for food advertising aimed at under-14s on Monday. According to this, advertising aimed at children for foods with too much sugar, fat and salt should be restricted by law. Among other things, advertising bans are planned in “all media relevant to children”. According to its own statements, the ministry is thus implementing an agreement between the SPD, FDP and Greens from the coalition agreement.
However, the liberal coalition partner expressed criticism of Özdemir’s plans. “Blanket bans on advertising, which are supposed to shield children, ignore the real core problems of unhealthy nutrition and are only the second-best solution at best. There is no majority for such a policy, ”said the deputy leader of the FDP parliamentary group, Carina Konrad, to WELT.
Strong criticism of Ödzemir’s plans also came from advertising and the food industry. They fear an almost complete ban on advertising for the affected products.
Children should be able to grow up healthier, Özdemir said now. This is an important building block in the fight against overweight, obesity and other nutrition-related diseases. “That’s why we want to legally restrict advertising to children for foods with too much fat, sugar or salt.” According to the Green politician, his plans are supported by a “large majority of the population”.
Advertisers can also continue to advertise to children foods that are not too high in sugar, fat or salt, the minister said. “And that’s exactly where the trend should go.” He relies on the willingness of the food industry to improve recipes.
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