Euro health group seeks ban on EU junk food ads

The European Heart Network has called for a Europe-wide ban on television advertisements for unhealthy food specifically aimed at children.

Reports this morning said the network - a coalition of groups including the Irish Heart Foundation - had found most food marketed to children was high in fat, salt or sugar and low in essential minerals.

The EHN also said around 20% of school-age children in Europe were overweight and one-quarter of these were obese and at risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

The network has reportedly recommended an EU-wide ban on the marketing of unhealthy food to children because bans in some member states were being undermined by broadcasts from other countries.