The consumer protection minister of the left government in Madrid, Alberto Garzón, announced on Thursday that the new law regulating the advertising of sweets would come into force in 2022. Biscuits, sweets, ice cream, chocolate and cakes as well as soft drinks, sodas and other sugary drinks are affected.
FIAB Director General Mauricio García de Quevedo spoke of an “unfounded and unjustified attack” on a sector whose workers distinguished themselves through their commitment and professionalism during the corona pandemic and ensured the maintenance of food supplies. He also criticized the “language used”: “A communication that speaks of protecting children from the food industry is unacceptable.” One shouldn’t criminalize an entire sector.
Garzón had emphasized that similar regulations, such as those Spain now wants to introduce, exist in Europe in Great Britain, Norway and Portugal, among others. He described the health situation in Spain as “worrying”. 23.3 percent of all citizens are overweight, 17.3 percent even from obesity. “That is a total of more than 40 percent. That is alarming. ” Low-income families are twice as likely to be affected by the problem as the financially best off people.