Spain's government is cracking down on the confectionery industry and wants to better protect children.
The producers are up against the decision by storm.
Madrid - Millions of parents around the world know the challenge: Teaching children approximately correct eating behavior that enables a healthy lifestyle.
Spain wants to contribute to this and is introducing a new law that noticeably restricts the advertising activities of the domestic food industry.
Alberto Garzón, consumer protection minister in the left government in Madrid, wants the law regulating candy advertising to come into force in 2022.
The planned ban on advertising for sweets * aimed at children subsequently triggered sharp criticism from entrepreneurs.
Spain bans advertising of sweets for children - the industry reacts angrily
The Spanish Association of the Food and Beverage Industry (FIAB) was "surprised and outraged". Biscuits, sweets, ice cream, chocolate and cakes as well as soft drinks, sodas and other sugary drinks are affected. General Director Mauricio García de Quevedo spoke of an "unfounded and unjustified attack" on a sector whose workers distinguished themselves through their commitment and professionalism during Corona and ensured that the supply of food was maintained.
In addition to the ban, the man also criticized the “language used”, which in his view would “criminalize an entire sector”: “A communication that speaks of protecting children from the food industry is unacceptable.” In view of the development, it is advisable action in Spain: Minister Garzón stressed that the health situation in Spain was "worrying".
23.3 percent of all citizens are overweight, 17.3 percent even from obesity.
“That is more than 40 percent in total.
That is alarming. ”Low-income families are particularly affected by the problem.
Candy advertising for children: an important topic in Germany too
Such regulations in the food industry already exist in countries such as Great Britain, Norway and Portugal. And what about in Germany? The advertising industry recently changed the rules of conduct for sweets * and raised the age limit for existing requirements from 12 to 14 years. Advertising for children under 14 may therefore not contain any direct requests to buy or consume, among other things.
Consumer advocates are calling for the future federal government to ban advertising for unhealthy foods * targeted at children.
The protection of children must be more important than the profit interests of the confectionery and junk food industry, said Foodwatch expert Saskia Reinbeck.
Voluntary measures by the manufacturers are not suitable for this.
(PF / dpa)
* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen digital editorial network.