The UK Is Trying To Put A Cap On Junk Food Marketing Aimed At Children

The U.K.'s Labour Party just announced proposals to ban alcohol, cigarette, and junk food advertisements aimed at children. If the law is passed, it will mean that junk food, sweets, and fast food commercials would not be able to appear on television until 9 p.m., according to The Independent. The Labour Party also proposes putting a cap on the amount of sugar, salt, and fat in food products aimed at children, as well as a nationwide emphasis on physical activity.

According to the Labour Party, the drastic changes have been proposed in an effort to curb the rising costs of diabetes that has swept the nation, which is expected to rise to £17 billion in the next 20 years. The U.K. is currently the third-most obese country in Western Europe, according to The Guardian.

But even though putting limits on junk food marketing may seem like a good idea, critics feel that the government would be overstepping its boundaries.

"Banning and legislation not always the answer," said health secretary Jeremy Hunt. "Backing families to make better choices brings lasting change".