UK Controversial Junk Food Crackdown Targets Breakfast Staples Including Porridge

[Social Media]

 

A range of beloved breakfast foods, including porridge and muesli, are set to be outlawed in advertisements under Labour's stringent new policies aimed at reducing childhood obesity. Starting next October, the Government will enforce a law banning ads for foods deemed unhealthy, not just on television before the 9 pm watershed but also online at all hours of the day. This unprecedented measure, designed to curb children's exposure to foods high in salt, sugar, and fat, has sparked widespread debate.

 

The ban doesn't just target the usual suspects like chocolate, cakes, crisps, and ready meals but also breakfast staples traditionally hailed as healthy. Foods such as porridge, instant oats, oat-based cereals, and muesli—all recommended by the NHS for their high fiber and heart-healthy properties—will fall foul of the regulations. These items are classified as unhealthy under the criteria outlined in The Food (Promotion and Placement) Regulations 2021, now repurposed for the new legislation.

 

The move is part of a broader government initiative to tackle obesity, reduce strain on the NHS, and potentially save billions in healthcare costs.

 

However, critics argue that the inclusion of breakfast items like oats and muesli is counterproductive, given their proven health benefits. Multiple studies have shown that oats can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, the NHS actively promotes them as a healthy breakfast option, highlighting their higher fiber content. Similarly, the British Heart Foundation praises porridge as "a healthy, nutritious way to start the day," provided it is free from added sugars and artificial flavors.

 

The controversy extends beyond nutrition, raising concerns about the policy's potential efficacy. Chris Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, expressed skepticism about the ban’s impact on obesity rates. "The ban on food advertising has no global precedent, so Britain is in uncharted territory," Snowdon stated. "Every other anti-obesity policy has failed, including the sugar tax and mandatory calorie labeling, and I see no reason why this will be any different."

 

Snowdon further highlighted the negative implications for broadcasters, internet platforms, and their users. He predicted that if obesity rates do not decline within five years, the ban should be repealed. "Serious questions should be asked of the pressure groups who pushed for it," he added, calling into question the efficacy of current anti-obesity strategies.

 

As the Government moves forward with its crackdown, the decision to classify oats and other seemingly healthy breakfast options alongside junk food continues to fuel heated discussions. While proponents view the policy as a necessary step in combating childhood obesity, detractors argue that it risks undermining public trust in evidence-based dietary recommendations. Only time will reveal whether this bold initiative will yield the desired results or simply add to the list of controversial health policies with limited success.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-05

 

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

I expect the devil is in the details.

 

Oats by example:

 

“Whole oats are slower to digest and have lower GI scores than quicker forms of oats.

Steel-cut oats have a GI score of about 53, and rolled oats — of about 57.

Steel-cut oats may take longer to digest, reducing spikes in blood sugar. Both oat types are better choices than other forms, such as instant oats, which have a GI of about 83.”

 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/rolled-vs-steel-cut-oats#health-benefits

[herfiehandbag]

For crying out loud, banning advertising for Porridge!

 

What an entirely joyless, utterly controlling bunch of bossy boots!

[herfiehandbag]

Perhaps there is a case for arguing that this is discrimination against Scots?

 

Edited 2 hours ago by herfiehandbag

[thaibeachlovers]

They are attacking the wrong things. We all ate such in our childhoods and didn't get fat because we played outside and did sports. We didn't spend out childhood in our room looking at porn on the internet.

Till they get kids off social media and other obscenities kids are going to turn into landwhales, get diabetes and have heart attacks at a young age and die.

Nature finds a way to cull the unfit.

[quake]

Remember this one.
and kids walking to school. 

 

[herfiehandbag]

9 minutes ago, quake said:

Remember this one.
and kids walking to school. 

 

You can't post that - white parents, no tattoos, comprehensible and condescending dialogue, absolutely no concession to cultural enrichment - should be banned!

Edited 1 hour ago by herfiehandbag

[quake]

1 minute ago, herfiehandbag said:

You can't post that - white parents, no tattoos, comprehensible dialogue, absolutely no concession to cultural enrichment - should be banned!

 

Yes, wonder what that very community in the clip, is like now days. ( 1982 )

Bet it's sad as now.

 

 

[James105]

Perhaps if this abomination of a Labour MP had her/him/it/they/zi oats in the morning then her/him/it/they/zi might be able to stay awake whilst at work

 

[herfiehandbag]

7 minutes ago, James105 said:

Perhaps if this abomination of a Labour MP had her/him/it/they/zi oats in the morning then her/him/it/they/zi might be able to stay awake whilst at work

 

I don't think nourishment is the problem there!

 

"Getting her/him/it/they/zi oats" in the, umh, alternative meaning of the phrase is also both unlikely and disturbing.

Edited 1 hour ago by herfiehandbag

[herfiehandbag]

At first I thought this was a joke, but then It occurred that in short order humour will have to approved by a suitable regulatory body, and signed off by the appropriate commissioner!

[RayC]

1 hour ago, quake said:

Remember this one.
and kids walking to school. 

 

 

Must've lived near Sellafield

[mdr224]

Wasnt aware that oatmeal was junk food