Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Healthcare has drafted measures to combat persistent marketing of unhealthy food. The proposed amendments would affect television and radio broadcasts, outdoor advertising and social media, where teenagers are particularly vulnerable to product promotions by content creators.
In particular, the focus is on fast food, sugary drinks and other foods high in sugar, salt and fat.
Legislators aim to reduce the influence of advertising on young people’s food preferences and promote healthy eating habits among children from an early age.
The exact measures and methods for promoting healthy habits were not disclosed.
However, the ministry said all the proposals were developed in line with international standards and World Health Organization recommendations.
According to research, around 23% of children aged six to nine are overweight, while 6% are obese. More than 17.5% of teenagers consume energy drinks every week.
Earlier, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the Cabinet to address aggressive fast food advertising, noting that unhealthy habits harm young people’s health and, in turn, increase the burden on the healthcare system.
It’s worth noting that Kazakhstan has already banned the sale of energy drinks to people under 21. In addition, a new school nutrition standard has been in place for a year. It calls for less salt and a greater share of vegetables, fruit and dairy products.
