Government has seen sense on product placement, says Which?

09 February 2010

As the Department for Culture, Media and Sport announces that ban of product placement for alcohol and foods and drinks high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS foods) will continue, Which? campaigner, Jenny Driscoll, says: 

“Many people are concerned by the idea of  gambling,  alcohol and junk food being promoted on television through product placement * so we’re delighted that the Government has seen sense and excluded them from the rule change.

“We’ll be keeping a close eye on Ofcom to ensure the Government’s intentions are not watered down.”

Notes to Editor

*Which? interviewed 1,005 GB adults were interviewed online between 22nd-24th December 09 and found that:

• Seven in ten people are concerned about the idea of gambling products and services being placed in television programmes, with 65% concerned about the placement of foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar and 62% about the placement of alcohol.#
• Although two-thirds of people (67%) are open to the idea of product placement, only one in five agree that it would be appropriate during children’s programmes (20%) or religious programmes (18%).