London mayor Sadiq Khan has been a divisive figure at times. This time, he is in the middle of a heated debate because of his plan to ban junk food ads on all public transport in the city he runs.

The step is an effort to fight childhood obesity. And it is one that is receiving plaudits from various quarters.

For one, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has urged Australia to follow in the footsteps of London. Here’s a quick look at what we know so far.

‘Ticking time bomb’

Khan has described the problem of childhood obesity as a “ticking time bomb,” according to many publications.

In a video posted on his official Twitter handle on Friday, May 11, Khan is heard saying: “We have a childhood obesity problem in London. Four out of 10 children aged 10 and 11 are overweight or obese – one of the worst records in Europe.

“And so the plans we are announcing today are proposals to ban the advertising of unhealthy food and drink on the public transport networks.”

He explained: “So, in the future you won’t be able to advertise foods high in fat, high in sugar and high in salt on the tubes, on the trams, on the buses, and on the London Overground.”

Khan added: “We think it will make a big difference to this challenge we face.”

Watch the video here:

I’m determined to act on child obesity. The Government needs to step up and join this fight, so we can achieve real progress – not just in London, but across the entire country. pic.twitter.com/lavHtT6Pyo — Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) May 11, 2018

Other places banning junk food ads?

Khan, in another tweet on Friday, gave an example of how other places have already banned junk food ads.

“Amsterdam banned adverts for unhealthy food on its metro, part of a package that has seen child obesity fall by 12 percent,” he wrote. “Our new plans on junk food advertising announced today can help reduce obesity.”

Amsterdam banned adverts for unhealthy food on its metro, part of a package that has seen child obesity fall by 12 per cent. Our new plans on junk food advertising announced today can help reduce obesity. pic.twitter.com/LcwvsiQ9AU — Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) May 11, 2018

Elsewhere in the world

British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who is also a campaigner against childhood obesity, supported Khan on the move.

Australian daily Sunday Morning Herald quoted him as saying: “It’s a big day for all the sort of stuff you’ve heard me rant about for 15 years.”

He added: “My instinct is you’ll see a lot of change from here, one that will protect kids, empower parents and address the most disadvantaged communities for the better.”

He also said: “Other countries yeah – what you need is a clear, bold, multi-pronged, environmental shift wherever the ministry and government stand up and do their bit in central (federal) government.”

“And then the holy grail is also devolving enough power and support to let local mayors and states, say in Aussie, to be able to do what they do best which is local and the nuance that makes that part of Aussie or England.”

#Londoners today @MayorofLondon @SadiqKhan says he has #AdEnough He plans the first junk food advert ban across ALL London’s buses, bus-stops & tubes to tackle #ChildhoodObesity It takes big, bold, brave action & today Sadiq & his team have done that. It’s a lesson in how to lead pic.twitter.com/WkMESbxEB5 — Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) May 11, 2018

Meanwhile, even India is planning something similar. The country’s apex food safety body – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) – issued a draft notice on April 11 inviting comments on whether, among other things, junk food advertisements be stopped from being aimed at children.

Follow us on Twitter (@TimesOfFood) and Facebook (Times Of Food) for more food news.

Like this: Like Loading...

Related