Porridge branded ‘junk food’ under Government’s latest nanny state crackdown – as MPs blast ‘preposterous meddling’

In the most recent nanny state crackdown, the government has labeled porridge a type of junk food.

The inclusion of the oat-based staple in Labour’s upcoming advertising ban has drawn criticism.

TV commercials before 9 p.m. will not be allowed to feature sweetened versions of popular breakfast items, such as fruity flavors and golden syrup.

Additionally, beginning in October 2025, they will be completely prohibited from using internet promotions.

In an effort to combat childhood obesity, the move restricts the sale of porridge pots, crackers, and carbonated beverages as “less healthy.”

Plain oats are OK, but according to recently published guidelines, sweetened oats don’t pass the government’s nutrient scoring system, which evaluates the amounts of fat, sugar, and salt.

Other items that will be subject to advertising limits are also highlighted in the guidance, which is intended to assist firms in getting ready for the changes.

These include well-known products like granola, quick noodles, and sweetened yoghurts, as well as more visible options like ice cream and salted popcorn.

“We will soon be living in the only country in the world where sponge puddings, croissants, and yoghurts are considered too dangerous to be advertised online and can only be shown on TV when young children are in bed,” said Chris Snowdon of the Institute of Economic Affairs, who criticized the proposal.

“This is the most preposterous, puritanical government meddling and shows that this policy was never about so-called ‘junk food’ at all.”

“This is an outrageous assault on the most delicious Scottish oats and it has become a porridgetax,” said Richard Tice, a member of the Reform party.

According to ministers, the new policies will avoid 20,000 cases of obesity by removing 7.2 billion calories from children’s meals annually.

Labour’s 10-Year Health Plan, which aims to put prevention above treatment, includes the prohibition on advertisements.

The proposal, which is scheduled to be implemented next spring, will also include steps to encourage better lifestyles for kids and prohibit those under the age of sixteen from purchasing high-caffeine energy drinks.

According to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, obesity costs the NHS billions of pounds, deprives our children of the best start in life, and prepares them for a lifetime of health issues.

This administration is acting right now to stop junk food advertisements from targeting children on TV and the internet.

“This is the first step in achieving our government’s goal of providing every kid with a healthy, happy start in life and bringing about a significant shift in the focus of healthcare from illness to prevention.

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