Russia considering ban on processed food advertisements

Russia is considering the ban on the advertisement of processed foods in an attempt to promote healthier food habits.

Lawmakers have committed to prepare a bill that will render it impossible for the country to promote food products with high contents of sugar, salt and saturated fat.

Kommersant Daily has quoted United Russia party MP Vasiliy Shestakov as saying that he is considering developing several federal law amendments to restrict the advertisement of sugar-containing sodas, sweets, margarine, potato chips, some types of sausages, and various fast food options.

The draft is expected to give detailed information regarding the maximum permissible limit for sugar, salt and saturated fat in advertised products.

According to Russia Today, the regulations would also consider bringing alcohol within its ambit.

Russian news agency Pravda quoted Shestakov as saying: "The amendments actually equate fast-food advertising to alcohol advertising."

In case the products fail to meet the standards, they will be restricted from advertising in press, TV and radio programmes broadcast between 7pm and 10pm, and in all media that caters to children.

The proposed draft will also ban the outdoor advertisement of such food products in public places.

Recently, the head of Russia’s Party of Pensioners had urged the government to place sanctions against beverage giants, including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, alleging that the companies were sponsoring anti-Russian politicians in the US.

The Communist Party has also called for an additional tax on sugar-containing drinks, suggesting that the products have a negative effect on the nation’s health.