26a September 2006

Food Advertising Unit

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FAU responds to PM's comments on 'junk food' advertising

Responding to the PM’s comments today in his final conference speech the FAU reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to introduce strict new rules on food and soft drink television ads targeted at primary school children.

The proposed restrictions, which would be amongst the toughest in Europe, meet the Government’s objectives for a proportionate and targeted response and will be legally binding on the industry.

Andrew Brown, Director General of the Advertising Association, said:

"We are disappointed that the Prime Minister continues to refer to a voluntary system when the industry is working with Ofcom in the development of what will be a legally binding system."

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Notes to editors

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.
‘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

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