Bill would ban unhealthy food ads aimed at minors

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would ban advertising for foods and drinks that do not meet the WHO nutrient profiles whenever it could reach people under 18, on any medium: TV, internet, streets, social media or packaging. It would also be banned inside and within 150 meters of schools, playgrounds, sports centers and similar spaces.
2. It would ban selling or giving energy drinks with high caffeine content to anyone under 16, and to those under 18 if they exceed 32 mg of caffeine per 100 ml. Their advertising would be heavily restricted and must carry a visible health warning.
3. All advertising for foods and drinks exceeding WHO limits would have to carry warnings such as "High in sugars" or "High in salt", taking up at least 20% of the ad. Packaging for unhealthy products could no longer use characters, mascots or designs attractive to children.
4. Digital advertising aimed at minors would need access controls, and pop-up and personalized ads for unhealthy products would be banned. Public administrations would promote advertising for fresh, organic and local foods and train teachers in healthy eating.
5. Violations would be classified as minor, serious or very serious, with fines of up to €600,000, which can rise to eight times the revenue obtained. In very serious cases, the establishment could be temporarily closed or its advertising activity suspended for up to five months.
6. The law would take effect six months after publication in the Official State Gazette, although some technical requirements would have adaptation periods. It would repeal Article 46 of the Food Safety and Nutrition Law, which until now regulated this advertising.

Who it affects

• Food and drink companies, distributors and importers that advertise products high in sugar, fat or salt.: They could not run advertising that might reach people under 18 and would have to include nutrition warnings.
• Media outlets, digital platforms, advertising agencies and hospitality businesses.: They would have to prevent banned advertising from reaching minors and comply with the new restrictions.
• Establishments selling energy drinks.: They could not supply them to anyone under 16, or under 18 if they exceed 32 mg of caffeine per 100 ml, and must request proof of age.
• People under 18 and their families.: They would be better protected from advertising for unhealthy products and would get more nutrition information.

Words worth knowing

Perfiles nutricionales de la OMS (WHO nutrient profiles)

Technical limits set by the World Health Organization to decide whether a food or drink is considered healthy based on its sugar, fat, salt or calorie content.

HFSS

English acronym for products high in fat, salt and sugar.

Publicidad de marca (brand advertising)

An ad that does not sell a specific product but promotes the company's image or values.

Medidas cautelares (precautionary measures)

Urgent decisions, such as pulling an ad or a product off the market, to prevent harm while the case is being resolved.

Prescripción (statute of limitations)

The maximum period to penalize a violation or enforce a penalty; once it passes, no action can be taken.

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries