Junk Food Ads Banned Across UK on TV and Online Platforms

The UK implemented a ban on daytime junk food advertising on January 5, 2026, targeting foods high in fat, sugar, and salt. TV and online ads for these products are now restricted to reduce childhood obesity. Experts say the move could remove billions of calories from children’s diets annually.

UK Launches Junk Food Advertising Ban

The UK implemented a ban on daytime junk food advertising this week. From January 5, 2026, TV ads for high-fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS) foods cannot air before 9pm. Paid online adverts for these products are banned at all times.

The rules follow voluntary industry compliance since October 2025. The government first proposed the plan in 2020 under Boris Johnson. After delays, the current administration finally put it in effect.

What the Junk Food Ban Covers

The junk food advertising ban UK rules only restrict ads showing specific less healthy foods. Brand-only promotions, such as logos or jingles, are allowed. Products like burgers, pizzas, chocolate, crisps, and sugary drinks fall under the ban. Reformulated healthier versions can still be advertised.

Small and medium businesses, some natural foods, and non-paid content like organic social media posts are exempt. Outdoor ads are mostly unaffected except near schools.

Health officials hope the ban will reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy foods. Over 22% of primary school starters in England are overweight or obese. By age 11, over a third face similar risks.

The government estimates the ban could remove up to 7.2 billion calories from children’s diets annually. Around 20,000 cases of childhood obesity may be prevented.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) will enforce the rules. Non-compliant ads must be removed or changed.