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East Cheshire restricts unhealthy food & drink advertising

30th Oct 2024 - 06:00
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East Cheshire restricts unhealthy food & drink advertising
Abstract
Cheshire East Council has become the 20th council to take ‘bold action’ to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising on council-owned spaces.

Working with Sustain the new policy, which is one of the first of its kind in the North West, will utilise the Nutrient Profiling Model to classify food and drink products based on their nutritional content. 

Fran Bernhardt, Sustain’s commercial determinants coordinator, said: “This policy is a bold step in the right direction: prioritising not just health but equality and sustainability too. Evidence shows that putting the spotlight on unhealthy food increases the risk of food related ill health like diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay.

“Many of the restricted products are unsustainable containing climate damaging ingredients, such as sugar, cocoa and palm oil, as well as requiring lots of energy to process them. We hope the terrific news from Cheshire East will inspire even more councils to take this important step for their residents’ health.”

Advertisements for products high in fat, salt, and/or sugar will be restricted, setting the stage for healthier options.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, chair of Cheshire East Council’s adults and health committee, added: "We recognise the significant impact that exposure to unhealthy food advertising can have on the health and well-being of our residents, particularly children. By taking this proactive step, we are prioritising the health of everyone in Cheshire East and demonstrating the council’s commitment to reducing health inequalities."

Written by
Edward Waddell