Govt welcomes guidelines for food advertising

Government ministers today welcomed new television food advertising guidelines, saying they were a step forward in tackling New Zealand's obesity problem.

The New Zealand Television Broadcasters' council has launched a new Children's Food Classification system as part of the guidelines for television adverts.

From July 1, new food or beverage adverts shown at children's viewing time must be approved under the classification system, and all adverts must comply by October 1.

The new system will restrict the advertising of certain foods.

Broadcasting Minister Trevor Mallard and Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor said the guidelines had been developed through the agreement between the Government and broadcasters that was signed in May last year.

They said the new system would give a clear process for making decisions about what food and drink could be advertised during children's programming times.

- NZPA