Financial expert calls for stricter advertising restrictions on unhealthy foods to protect children

Financial expert calls for stricter advertising restrictions on unhealthy foods to protect children

According to a report by www.aerzteblatt.de, the consumer advice centers are appealing to the traffic light coalition to introduce further advertising restrictions for unhealthier foods to protect children. In particular, it concerns advertising restrictions on products with too much sugar, fat and salt, which are aimed at preventing diet-related diseases in children. The federal government, in particular Federal Food Minister Cem Özdemir, has presented legislative plans for healthier eating and reducing obesity. However, these plans meet with objections from the co-ruling FDP and are therefore stuck in the traffic light coalition.

The proposed advertising restrictions should ban advertising of unhealthy foods at times when children are particularly likely to watch television. However, critics note that simply regulating commercials in children's programs does not go far enough and that a holistic approach with measures to promote physical activity, education, better daycare and school meals and cooking skills is needed to prevent diet-related diseases.

These measures have potentially profound impacts on the food market and consumers. Advertising restrictions could cause producers of unhealthy foods to see a decline in sales, while providers of healthy alternatives could benefit. Consumers, in turn, could make more healthy food choices, especially for their children. This could lead to a change in consumer behavior and possibly a decrease in diet-related diseases among children.