MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The local government of Taytay, Rizal, has passed an ordinance seeking to restrict the marketing of ultra-processed food and beverages within the municipality, specifically targeting children.
According to law firm ImagineLaw, Ordinance No. 2307-036 (An Ordinance to Protect Children from the Harmful Impacts of Food and Beverage Marketing) is 鈥渢o protect children from obesity and other diet-related health risks.鈥�
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It notably prohibits advertisements featuring high-fat, salt, or sugar food along school zones, playgrounds, parks, and family mall areas.
Citing a United Nations Children鈥檚 Fund study, ImagineLaw said children鈥檚 exposure to these advertisements is linked to their increased consumption of ultra-processed food.
鈥淭his is a win for children鈥檚 health. We commit to creating an environment where our children can grow up healthy and easily pursue healthy eating habits, starting with this policy,鈥� Councilor Tobit Cruz said in a statement on Thursday.
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In the ordinance鈥檚 implementation, the Rizal government will form a local task force to monitor food and beverage advertisements within the municipality.
鈥淰iolators of the ordinance will face a fine of聽 P2,500 and will be required to take down advertisements that violate the regulations,鈥� ImagineLaw said. 鈥� Melanie Tamayo, intern