[ad_1]
Specifically, it is a bill for the revision of the EU directive on audiovisual media services that has been in force since 2012 and that Austria must incorporate into national legislation. The Health Ministry is more papal than the Pope with his push for an Austrian nutritional profile model, is the criticism.
A total advertising ban has not been planned
In response to a request from the APA, the Health Ministry said that total bans on advertising of unhealthy foods were not necessary. “However, we consider that it is technically necessary to prescribe regulations for the advertising of such foods if they are directed at children and appear before, after and in children’s programs.” Austria has a problem with many children who are overweight and obese as a result of incorrect eating habits. The regulation of advertising in the context of children’s programs is one of many measures to influence eating behavior.
The EU AVMSD directive deals, among other things, with the advertising of unhealthy foods in the context of children’s programs. According to the draft, this should not be done. The affected industries fear even bigger effects. The basis for evaluating which foods are not suitable for children is the so-called nutritional profile, which, according to the industry magazine “Horizont”, was presented in its current version by a group of experts from the Ministry of Health in September.
The industry wants to continue regulating itself
The food, advertising and media industries are currently being regulated, which they want to continue to do so. “That has worked well so far,” Günter Thumser, managing director of the Branded Articles Association, told various industry outlets. The bill is for him a GAU and too enthusiastic, especially since the EU Commission has announced the development of a nutritional profile at European level by 2022 as part of the “Farm-to-table agricultural strategy”. This type of gold plating that the Ministry of Health is sending to the The day is setting, it is excessive and meaningless “, according to Thumser to the magazine” Cash “.
According to Thumser, advertising bans will apply for various food categories. “And that includes candy and desserts, sweet baked goods, certain beverages, ice cream, certain meat and fish products, sausages and salty snacks.”
The Federal Chancellery does not want to comment
The Federal Chancellery is responsible for the publicity issue. In 2010, national television stations imposed self-restrictions on advertising for baby food. In the code of conduct, for example, it is written that commercials directed at children must not suggest “that these foods could replace a meal.” Furthermore, it should not be suggested that advertised articles improve school grades or make them more popular. The bill was sent for evaluation by the Federal Chancellery. The review period ended on October 16. The results of the evaluation process are currently being evaluated and discussed among the coalition partners, stated both the Ministry of Health and the Foreign Ministry. The Federal Chancellery did not want to anticipate this process.
