UK public backs ban on junk food ads

Three-quarters of adults in Britain support a ban on junk food advertising before the 9pm TV watershed, according to a new poll.

The survey of more than 1,700 people, for Cancer Research UK, found 74% would back a ban while 55% also want a tax on sugary drinks. Nearly 70% said there should be cuts to junk food advertising online while 66% want cuts to price promotions on junk food, such as buy-one-get-one-free deals.

Meanwhile, 82% of those polled said they thought childhood obesity was a problem.

It comes after a poll for Diabetes UK last week found 75% of adults want food manufacturers to reduce the amount of saturated fat, salt, and added sugar in their products.

The UK government has so far resisted calls for a tax on sugary drinks — as called for by campaigners including celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Obesity causes some types of cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.