Dispute over junk food advertising ban
61 organizations write fire letter to FDP
08/20/2023 11:56 am
The Federal Minister of Food calls for strict advertising restrictions for unhealthy foods to protect children. The FDP goes too far, which is why Özdemir weakens his proposal. Now there is criticism from dozens of organizations.
61 organizations from science, consumer and child protection have criticized the FDP for its position in the dispute over a planned ban on advertising unhealthy food. The party is “against the unanimous consensus in science and among specialist organizations” and has given the health protection of children and young people a “clear rejection”, according to an open letter to FDP leader Christian Lindner, from which the “Süddeutsche newspaper” quoted.
Federal Food Minister Cem Özdemir had proposed strict restrictions on the advertising of unhealthy foods to protect children from malnutrition. For example, a far-reaching ban on advertising unhealthy foods on television and the Internet was planned. The FDP and the food and advertising industry criticized the plans, Özdemir then weakened his proposal and shortened the ban times, for example.
FDP representatives nevertheless criticized the measures as too far-reaching. A general ban on TV advertising for unhealthy food during core times when children are watching is also planned. The FDP MP Gero Hocker, however, told the “SZ” that advertising for unhealthy things should only be specifically banned around children’s programs or in comics.
Children are bombarded with junk food ads
The signers of the letter to Lindner now criticized that such a restricted advertising ban would miss its goal. Because about every third television program that children under the age of 14 watch is not a classic children’s program. “Especially in the evening prime time, the food industry showers children with junk food advertising – this is exactly where the advertising barriers have to take effect, otherwise nothing is gained,” explained Luise Molling from Foodwatch.
In addition to consumer protection groups, the signatories include many health organizations such as the AOK Federal Association, the Professional Association of Paediatricians, the German Diabetes Society and the German Cancer Research Center. They also disagree with the objection that advertising restrictions curtail consumer freedom. On the contrary, advertising has a proven influence on buying and eating behavior – and thus impairs the ability to make free decisions.