[Home] [News & media] [News releases] [18 September 2006]

FAU responds to concerns published by Office of the Children’s Commissioner

Responding to the publication today by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, the FAU says that a full review of the broadcast and non-broadcast Codes is already taking place.

Package 4 was put forward by the broadcasting and advertising industry in response to the Ofcom consultation in June. It proposes strict new rules on the content of TV food and soft drink advertising to primary school children, including the removal of licensed characters, celebrities and free gifts from TV ads targeted directly at primary school children.  It also clarifies existing rules on health and nutrition claims.

CAP is committed to reviewing the non-broadcast Code following Ofcom’s decision, expected this autumn.

Sue Eustace, spokesman for the FAU, said:

“A ban on all food advertising up to the 9 pm watershed would be unjustifiably restrictive and tantamount to a ban which the Government has rejected as being disproportionate to the evidence. The Government has said it wants to focus on primary school children. The industry proposals do just that.”

“But we also need to work in partnership with Government and other stakeholders to promote the benefits of leading active and healthy lifestyles which are a critical part of the obesity problem.”

- ends -

Notes to editors

1. The Food Advertising Unit (FAU), which operates under the auspices of the UK Advertising Association, is a centre for information, communication and research in the area of food advertising, particularly television advertising, to children. FAU membership represents multi-national food companies, advertising agencies and the media.
2. ‘Package 4’ was submitted to Ofcom on 30 June 2006. It was signed by the members of the coalition: Andrew Brown, Director General of the Advertising Association (AA), Malcolm Earnshaw, Director General – ISBA, Melanie Leech, Director General - Food and Drink Federation (FDF),  Jeremy Preston, Director - Food Advertising Unit and Hamish Pringle, Director General - Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA). http://www.fau.org.uk/Package_4__final_.pdf

For further information

Please contact Sue Eustace on 020 7340 1100 or Suzanne Edmond on 07736 729422

website design

© Food Advertising Unit 2005   |   Disclaimer   |   Privacy   |   Credits