Will there soon be an end to advertisements for biscuits, chips and other treats with poor Nutri-Scores? Jean-François Gatelier, federal deputy and doctor, proposes banning marketing campaigns for foods deemed too bad, with a Nutri-Score D or E. The proposal thus targets products too rich in sugars, salt or saturated fats.
The MP believes that this advertising ban would make it possible to push further the parliamentary work already carried out on nutritional information, in particular through the obligatory Nutri-Score. Jean-François Gatelier points out that “exposure to advertising directly influences eating behavior, particularly among children and adolescents, and contributes to the increase in chronic diseases linked to diet†. Currently, there is no policy regarding limiting food advertising.
However, last year, companies themselves noted that they would not target young people under the age of 16 in advertisements, both on social networks and in schools. Quickly, associations working in the health sector considered that this decision was too weak.
Coherence in public health
“We cannot, on the one hand, promote public health and prevention, and on the other, let marketing massively push for the consumption of products that promote obesity, diabetes or even certain cancers,†declares Jean-François Gatelier, who calls for better coherence in health policy.
The MP argues that this proposal allows a more global approach to public health, protecting young people but also all consumers. Beyond advertising, it is also a reflection on taxation that could be launched, by supporting products that are better for health. “It’s time to escape the illusion of self-regulation. The scientific data is clear, as are the international recommendations: without a strong legal framework, behavior will not change. We must have the courage to act…, declares Jean-François Gatelier in a press release.
