Economic Survey 2025-26 seeks ban on junk food ads during daytime

In a move that could have a significant impact on the health of adolescents and the food industry, the recent Economic Survey 2025-26 has recommended a sweeping ban on advertisements promoting ultra-processed food between 6 am and 11 pm.

The 17-hour blackout specifically targets peak viewing hours of children and families and, in the process, also neutralises the ‘pester power’ of



children that drives consumption of products high in fat, sugar and salt.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 has also provided a much deeper analysis of the impact of Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) and the looming crisis in the country.

The report framed obesity among adolescents not just as a public health issue, but as an economic threat to India’s demographic dividend.