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Chocolate lentils at a confectionery fair
Photo: Henning Kaiser / dpa
According to the confectionery industry, the restrictions on advertising of unhealthy foods in children planned by Federal Minister of Food Cem Özdemir (Greens) mean a total ban on confectionery advertising.
"In our view, Federal Minister Özdemir's proposals are disproportionate and also constitutionally questionable," criticized the Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI).
The BDSI did not consider the planned advertising bans to be effective in reducing the obesity rate among children, it said.
There are no scientific studies on the effectiveness of advertising bans on the development of childhood obesity, said the chief executive of the association, Carsten Bernoth.
Advertising confectionery would be ruled out from the outset if the WHO Europe nutrient profile were to be used as a basis.
»Because the WHO nutrient profiles basically do not allow advertising for this product category.«
Özdemir presented his plans for binding rules for food advertising aimed at under-14s on Monday.
According to this, advertising aimed at children for foods with too much sugar, fat and salt should be restricted by law.
Among other things, advertising bans are planned in “all media relevant to children”.
The ministry is thus implementing an agreement between the SPD, FDP and Greens from the coalition agreement.
According to the BDSI, more than 200 mostly medium-sized confectionery companies are represented.
According to the association, the German confectionery industry is the fourth-largest branch of the German food industry, accounting for around ten percent of sales.
dab/dpa
