Media watchdog RTÜK to ban commercials for unhealthy food

ISTANBUL

Turkey’s top media watchdog, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), is set to ban TV commercials for high-calorie foods and drinks that may have potential health risks if consumed excessively.

Those foods and drinks deemed unhealthy include chips, coke and some chocolates.

The respective directive was published in the Official Gazette on March 27.

The RTÜK will ban commercials based on a list of products, which will be prepared by the Health Ministry.

The list is said to have three distinct categories. The foods and drinks listed under the “red category” are deemed high-calorie and dangerous products. Commercials for products under this group will not be allowed to be aired 15 days after the ministry unveils the list.

The red category includes chocolates, candies, confectioneries, biscuits, cakes, chips, fruit juices, fizzy drinks, energy drinks and edible ice.

The “orange category” in the list refers to foods and drinks that should be consumed with caution. Commercials for products under this category will be allowed if they comply with certain criteria and the respective rules for this category will be effective after two years.

Finally, the “green category” in the ministry’s list includes healthy food products.

There will be no ban on commercials for meat, fish, poultry, egg, milk, yogurt, cheese, vegetables, fruits and legumes.