LONDON—The United Kingdom will consider regulating the food industry if a 3-year healthy lifestyle campaign fails to reduce obesity levels in England, Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said.
The government kicked off the Change4Life campaign Jan. 3 with television, magazine and billboard advertisements urging people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Forecasters predict that four out of 10 children and nine out of 10 adults will be overweight or obese by 2050. The campaign aims to reduce child obesity to 2000 levels within 11 years.
Bradshaw said the government had decided to work with food manufacturers and supermarkets rather than imposing legally binding nutrition rules. "We have already made progress on things like labeling and fat and salt content working with the industry," he said. "But if this 3-year campaign does not succeed, we don't rule out regulating in future."
The government banned the advertising of junk foods during children's television programs in April 2007 but has resisted calls to extend the restrictions.