Watershed ban on ‘junk food’ TV adverts called for by Scottish Government

THE Scottish Government has appealed to the UK Government to have adverts for ‘junk food’ kept off TV screens until after the 9pm watershed.

Says the Sunday Mail, the Scottish Mail on Sunday, the Sunday Herald and other newspapers, the appeal has been made specifically by Public Health Minister, Michael Matheson, who is reported to have written to Westminster – which controls broadcasting.

Matheson is widely quoted, as having written: “Broadcast advertising influences the choices made by children and can shape their attitudes to food as they grow into adulthood.

“Tackling obesity andencouraging people to make healthier life choices is one of the most important things we can do to improve the health of our nation.”

Ben Borland, in the Scottish Sunday Express, lists some of the high-profile TV programmes that could be affected, because of the sponsorship they receive from food companies.