President ordered to tackle the problem of aggressive fast food advertising

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has directed the government to confront the pervasive issue of aggressive fast food advertising. The president stated that this marketing strategy fosters unhealthy habits, strains the healthcare system, and diminishes the nation's workforce potential. He pointed to the alarming statistic that nearly 7,000 children are currently under medical supervision for diabetes, a number that continues to rise. Tokayev noted that many countries already restrict or ban the advertising of high-fat, high-sugar products, especially when targeted at young people.

“

A separate issue is the aggressive advertising of fast food that has flooded the public space. It fosters persistent unhealthy habits, increases the burden on the healthcare system, and negatively impacts the country's workforce potential.

Tokayev acknowledged the complexity of the problem, which involves sensitive medical and political considerations. However, he stressed that the government must thoroughly investigate this issue, placing the health of children as the highest priority. This directive follows previous concerns raised by the president regarding food quality, including his comments two years prior on the need for significant attention to the quality of food served in school cafeterias.

“

Nearly 7,000 children with diabetes are currently under medical supervision. This figure is not decreasing; in fact, it is growing.

The president's call to action highlights a growing concern over the impact of marketing unhealthy food on public health, particularly among the younger generation. The government is now tasked with developing strategies to mitigate these effects, balancing public health goals with the complexities of the advertising industry and consumer choice.

“

Many countries prohibit or restrict the advertising of products high in fat, sugar, and salt that target the younger generation.