By Chris Williamson-
Junk food advertising could be banned on the London Underground network as part of plans to tackle the capital’s “ticking time-bomb” of childhood obesity.
The proposals which have been unveiled by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, is on course to extend to the capital’s buses and bus shelters, as well as the London Overground.
Mr Khan said “bold steps” were needed to “do right” by young people, and to minimize the huge strain being placed on an under-pressure health service.
Under the plans, adverts for full-sugar Coca-Cola would no longer be accepted under the plans, Diet Coke ads could still run. McDonald’s will be unable to advertise a Big Mac and fries but could promote its salads.
He said: “It can’t be right that in a city as prosperous as London that where you live and the income you have can have a massive impact on whether you have access to healthy, nutritious food and your exposure to junk food advertising.
He expressed an interest to “reduce the influence” on children and their families by banning advertisements for unhealthy food and drink high in fat, salt or sugar, across the entire Transport for London network.
The positive plans, part of his draft London Food Strategy which aims to reduce the level of child obesity in the capital by 2028, will now be subject to a consultation. Khan additionally proposes a ban on new hot food takeaways opening within 400 metres of schools.
Professor Dame Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer for England, said: “The evidence is clear that although it is not a silver bullet, restricting the amount of junk food adverts children are exposed to will help reduce obesity.
“Children are inundated with adverts for unhealthy food so this is a really encouraging move and a bold step in the right direction.
City Hall says the capital has one of the highest child overweight and obesity rates in Europe, with almost 40% of children aged 10 and 11 either overweight or obese