Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

119. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the targeted advertising of junk food to children and young persons online. [18727/18]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In February, I launched new voluntary Codes of Practice for the advertising and marketing of food and non-alcoholic drinks in the non-broadcast media - including digital media - in accordance with a recommendation in the national Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP). The OPAP was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland agenda.

The purpose of the Codes, which have been agreed with the food industry, is to ensure that foods high in fat, salt and sugar are marketed in a responsible way. In particular the Codes seek to ensure that children are not exposed to inappropriate marketing, advertising or sponsorship associated with these kinds of food and drink products, and that healthier food choices are actively promoted.

In effect, the purpose of the Codes is to reduce the exposure of children to unhealthy foods.