Call for EU ban on advertising of alcohol and unhealthy foods between 7am and 11pm

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) is seeking a ban on the advertising of certain foods, beverages and alcohol between 7am and 11pm in every EU country, in a bid to protect minors.

The EASL has submitted a detailed submission on the European Commission’s  Audio Visual Media Services Directive, which is currently being reviewed. The Directive governs EU-wide coordination of national legislation on all audio-visual media.

The association says numerous studies have shown that exposure to marketing of alcohol and foods high in salt, sugar and saturated fats, increases consumption of these products in all segments of the population, including children. The EASL recommendations aim to strengthen the existing Directive which states that advertising must not cause “physical or moral detriment to minors”.

The EASL is also requesting amendments to the Directive in relation to product placement and sponsorship. In addition, it recommends that, within three years of the amended Directive being adopted, the Commission should issue proposals to limit the exposure of minors to commercial communications of products prejudicial to health on the internet and social media.