The Food Foundation Podcast Pod Bites: Junk food adverts banned
Jan 9, 2026
Katherine Jenner, Executive Director of the Obesity Health Alliance, discusses new restrictions on junk food advertising aimed at protecting children. She highlights the troubling link between junk food marketing and unhealthy eating habits. Jenner explains how these restrictions aim to change the food environment rather than place the burden on children. She addresses enforcement challenges and industry influence, critiquing loopholes in brand exemptions. Ultimately, she calls for stronger regulations to ensure children are better protected from harmful advertising.
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Advertising Shapes Kids' Eating Habits
- Junk food ads shape children's preferences, intake, and snacking from a very young age.
- Katherine Jenner argues restricting exposure targets the media children use and times they use it to protect health.
Projected Health And Economic Gains
- The new rules are predicted to cut billions of calories and reduce child obesity cases.
- Katherine Jenner highlights expected health gains including billions in economic benefits.
Use Regulation To Shift The Food Environment
- Change the food environment rather than blaming children for choices.
- Use regulation, like the soft drinks levy, to drive reformulation and healthier product promotion.