A clampdown on ‘junk food’ advertisements is set to take place in Reading in an effort to promote healthier living.
Reading is set to tighten its grip on junk food ads in a bid to encourage healthier lifestyles.
The council, which manages advertising space across the town, reaches around 200,000 drivers and 40,000 pedestrians daily.
During a recent council meeting on October 14, Caroline Basden raised concerns about the impact of junk food advertising on families, especially on children’s eating habits. As a mum of three, she highlighted the challenges parents face with eye-catching advertisements.
In response, Councillor Rachel Eden, the lead councillor for education and public health, revealed plans to revise the advertising policy to restrict ads for high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods. "We won’t be banning brands, but companies will need to promote healthier options instead," she explained.
Eden emphasised that eliminating these ads would empower parents and individuals to make healthier choices. Reading will be the 26th local authority to implement such a policy, following successful examples from places like Transport for London, which has seen positive results in healthier eating choices.
"This is about making a change for our whole town," Eden added, urging other local organisations to adopt similar measures. Basden, who is also running as the Labour candidate for Tilehurst in next year’s local elections, supports this initiative.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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