Food campaigners call for total food ad for kids ban

Junk food campaigners have applauded Government plans to reintroduce compulsory cooking lessons in schools but have renewed calls for a total ban on food advertising to kids.

The Children’s Food Campaign, a lobby group supported by over 300 food and parent organisations, says it is “delighted” that the Government has recognised the need for all children to learn to cook but adds that action on junk food ads has to come next.

Children’s Food Campaign coordinator, Richard Watts, warns that if reports that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has won a battle not impose tougher restrictions on junk food advertising are true then the Government’s obesity strategy, due to be announced tomorrow, has a “very large hole indeed”.

Watts adds: “Simply bringing forward an Ofcom review of current advertising rules will not help children one iota.”

Schools Sercretary Ed Balls will announce plans for the compulsory lessons as part of the Government’s obesity strategy, which he will outline with Health Secretary Alan Johnson.

The Department for Children Families and Schools says the lessons will ensure pupils can master simple healthy meals, using fresh ingredients.

The Children’s Food Campaign aims to improve children’s health by improving teaching in schools and protecting them from junk food marketing.