consumer protection
State ministers call for junk food advertising ban for children
Claus Christian Claussen (CDU), Minister for Justice, Europe, Consumer Protection and Equality of Schleswig-Holstein, speaks during a press conference at the end of the consumer protection ministers’ conference of the federal states. Photo: Martin Schutt/dpa
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Sugar bombs and greasy snacks: If the consumer protection ministers have their way, the food industry will soon no longer be allowed to advertise junk food to children.
The consumer protection ministers of the federal states have demanded a comprehensive ban on advertising for unhealthy foods aimed at children and young people.
The federal government is required to implement this quickly, said the head of department of Schleswig-Holstein, Claus Christian Claussen, on Friday after the two-day ministerial conference in Weimar, which is chaired by Thuringia. This could help to combat obesity.
Federal Food Minister Cem Özdemir explained that the federal states are thus supporting the government coalition’s plan to further restrict advertising to children for foods with a high sugar, fat or salt content. The federal states have a special responsibility when it comes to media regulation. The federal government will exchange information with the coordination of the broadcasting commission.
No loopholes in the network
The consumer organization Foodwatch asked Özdemir not to leave any loopholes with such a ban. The influencer recommendation for fast food is perceived by children just as much as cola advertising on television. Foodwatch referred to a report it had commissioned, according to which Özdemir could introduce comprehensive advertising restrictions as federal law. A detour via the media state treaty is not necessary.
Professional organizations and medical associations have been calling for restrictions on junk food advertising for years. The German Alliance for Non-Communicable Diseases described this step as long overdue on Friday. The traffic light government must follow up on its announcements and the recommendations of the federal states with action.
In their coalition agreement, the SPD, Greens and FDP have agreed to restrict advertising for unhealthy products aimed at children. There is no draft law yet.
prices are increasing
The ministers in Weimar also reacted with concern to the rising energy and food prices. Above all, low-income consumers should be protected from this. One way could be a lower VAT on healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables and legumes, said Hamburg Senator Anna Gallina. A balanced diet should not fail because of the costs.
Saarland’s head of department, Petra Berg, said that the advisory services for indebted consumers would have to be expanded with the help of the federal government. “The big energy price shock will only reach people in winter.”
The state ministers also called on the federal government to put a stop to fake reviews on the Internet. The legislature must create a criminal and fine inventory to sanction fake ratings. In addition, according to the will of the ministers, the deadline for reimbursement of payment claims in the event of flight cancellations or delays should be reduced from seven to two working days.