In an effort to combat child obesity, Spain banned the advertising of unhealthy junk foods and beverages last month.
“Our children are very vulnerable to advertising, and it is our obligation to protect them,” consumer affairs Minister Alberto Garzon published on Twitter.
According to the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), Spain’s oldest consumer organization, nine out of 10 food advertisements are targeted at children and promote unhealthy products. This is undoubtedly a contributing factor to the high rate of Spanish children between the ages of six and nine who qualify as overweight (40.6 percent) and obese (17.3 percent).
The ban applies to five categories of products to minors, regardless of their nutritional content. The prohibited list includes chocolate, sweets and energy bars, cakes, sweet biscuits, juices, ice cream, and energy drinks.
More food products will require regulation as well if they exceed certain limits for saturated fats, sugars, and salt content.
