MPs Urged to Act on Unhealthy Food Marketing

Young people have been saying it for years. Now MPs are saying it too.

The food environment around us is stacked against children's health. Unhealthy food is everywhere - marketed, promoted and made the easiest option.

Today, we welcome the Health and Social Care Committee's powerful call for the government to go further and faster in tackling this crisis.

This is a significant moment for Bite Back and the young campaigners who have given evidence, challenged the food industry and demanded change.

We're particularly encouraged to see the Committee recognise what our young people have long described: unhealthy food marketing has become the cultural wallpaper of everyday life.

But recognition isn't enough.

“

Young people have been saying this for years: you cannot expect us to stay healthy when unhealthy food is promoted everywhere we turn. It is encouraging to see MPs recognise the problem and use language that reflects what we experience every day. But recognition is only the start. We need the government to turn its promises into action, including making the big food businesses accountable for what they sell. Our generation deserves healthier high streets, schools and shops-not another plan that stays on paper.

Jayda

Youth Board

The government has already made important commitments in its 10 Year Health Plan. Now we need the political will to deliver them.

That means a strong Healthier Food Standards, with clear targets that hold major food businesses accountable for the healthiness of what they sell. It means tackling the relentless promotion of unhealthy food and making healthier options more accessible to every child.

Our message is simple: young people have done their part by speaking up. Now it's time for the government and the food industry to act.

Thank you to the Committee and its Chair, Layla Moran MP, for listening to young people and keeping the pressure on.

The next generation deserves more than promises.

It deserves change.