The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dietary Health has launched a call for evidence to support a new inquiry into the impact and effectiveness of the UK’s less healthy food and drink advertising regulations.
Introduced in January 2026, the regulations restrict advertising of less healthy food and drink products on television before 9pm and in paid-for online media at all times. The inquiry will examine how the regulations have been implemented, their effectiveness in reducing exposure to advertising for less healthy products, and whether further action is needed to protect public health. The Obesity Health Alliance acts as secretariat for the APPG on Dietary Health, launched in March 2026, and supports its administration and coordination.
Inquiry into less healthy food and drink advertising regulations
The inquiry will gather evidence from organisations, experts, stakeholders and members of the public on the impact of the regulations since their introduction. It will explore a range of issues, including:
- Changes in the advertising content, format and volume of less healthy food and drink marketing.
- The effectiveness of the regulations in reducing exposure to advertising, particularly among children and young people.
- The adequacy of the products and categories covered by the regulations.
- The impact of exemptions, including those relating to brand advertising.
- Whether advertising has shifted into unregulated channels, such as outdoor advertising, cinema, radio and other media.
- The effectiveness of enforcement and supporting guidance.
- Opportunities to strengthen existing regulations and address gaps in the current framework.
Evidence gathered through the inquiry will inform recommendations to Government and other decision-makers on the future of food and drink advertising policy.
Have your say
We are inviting organisations and individuals to submit evidence to inform this inquiry.
- Download the call for evidence document.
- Complete your response through the online portal.
- The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 18th January 2027.
- Please note that submissions via email will not be accepted. If you would like to send us your responses in a different way, please do let us know and we will be happy to accommodate.
Evidence gathered will be used to develop recommendations for Government, local authorities and other stakeholders to support improvements in dietary health and help create healthier food environments for all.
For further information about the inquiry and how to submit evidence, please refer to the call for evidence document.
If you have any questions, please email appg@obesityhealthalliance.org.uk