Why are we still using 20-year-old rules to decide which foods are unhealthy?

By Katharine Jenner2026-10-15T10:36:00

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Burgers and crisps widely seen as unhealthy are still passing the government’s ad and promotion rules because the test they’re judged against is more than 20 years out of date, says Katharine Jenner, executive director at Obesity Health Alliance

It’s astonishing that burgers, crisps and other foods high in fat, salt or sugar can still pass the government’s test for advertising and supermarket promotions, despite being widely recognised as unhealthy. It raises serious questions about whether the rules are fit for purpose.

Why are we still using 20-year-old rules to decide which foods are unhealthy?

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