As part of an inspection of advertising targeting children under 16 for foods with high energy value, salt content, sugar, saturated fatty acids and processed fatty acids, the Directorate General for Consumer Affairs (DGC) analyzed 372 commercial messages, from 13 economic actors, published on websites and social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube) and on television.
As part of this inspection, the vast majority (97%) of the messages analysed were found to comply with current regulations, but violations of the Advertising Code were detected by three economic operators in posts on social media, more specifically on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. According to the Advertising Code, advertising of foods and drinks with high energy value, salt, sugar, saturated fatty acids and processed fatty acids is prohibited “on the Internet, through websites or social networks, as well as on mobile applications intended for devices that use the Internet, when their content is intended for children under 16 years of age”. These violations led to the drawing up of notices and the initiation of three administrative infraction proceedings, which can result in fines ranging from €3,500 to €45,000.
As part of this procedure, the General Directorate of Health was asked to provide a technical opinion on the nutritional profile of the products identified in this inspection procedure, which confirmed that the food and beverages concerned exceeded the values specified in Order No. 7450-A/2019, dated August 21. The products analyzed covered several categories, such as chocolate, confectionery products, pastries, energy bars, juices, yogurt, fermented milk, pre-prepared and ready-to-eat meals, sauces and condiments.
It is also important to note that this inspection was carried out after the completion of the report of the working group formed to conduct the first assessment of the impact of Law No. 30/2019 of April 23, which imposed restrictions on food advertising targeting minors aged 16. This working group was coordinated by the General Directorate of Public Security and involved the General Directorate of Public Security, the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Medicine and the General Directorate of Education.
