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** 15 June 2026
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** UK
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** Food manufacturer challenges proposed nutrient profiling changes (#1)
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** Government confirms plans for under-16 social media ban (#2)
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** Commentary: David Hockney’s opposition to tobacco control measures (#3)
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** International
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** US experts advise parents on discussing vaping with young people (#4)
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** UK
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** Food manufacturer challenges proposed nutrient profiling changes
Kellanova, the manufacturer of Kellogg's cereals, has raised concerns about proposed changes to the UK's Nutrient Profiling Model, which is used to determine whether foods are classified as high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS). Under the proposals, naturally occurring free sugars would be included in the assessment, potentially resulting in products such as bran flakes being reclassified as less healthy and becoming subject to advertising and promotional restrictions.
The government says the current model is around 20 years old and does not reflect the latest dietary advice. It argues that the proposed revisions would shift the focus from total sugars to free sugars, promote diets higher in fibre and support efforts to reduce obesity and improve children's health. The proposals are currently subject to consultation.
The article also highlights a 2009 Which? survey which found that some cereals perceived as healthier options, including bran-based and fortified products, contained relatively high levels of sugar.
Source: The Guardian, 13 June 2026
Editorial note: In 2021 Kellanova brought a judicial review against the government, challenging the lawfulness of new regulations on how products could be promoted, using the current version of the nutrient profiling model. This was resolved in the government’s favour. Read more: [link removed]
Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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** Government confirms plans for under-16 social media ban
The UK government has announced plans to block access to major social media platforms for under-16s from early 2027. Platforms expected to be covered include TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X and YouTube, although a final list has not yet been published.
The proposals would require companies to use age-verification measures to prevent under-16s from accessing affected services. Planned safeguards include restrictions on livestreaming and on functions that allow strangers to contact children, while further measures such as overnight curfews and limits on infinite scrolling are under consideration. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are not expected to be included.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed, with some bereaved parents welcoming the move while others, along with some young people and technology companies, have questioned whether a blanket ban is the most effective approach.
Source: BBC News, 15 June 2026
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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** Commentary: David Hockney’s opposition to tobacco control measures
This Guardian commentary by columnist Zoe Williams reflects on the life of artist David Hockney and highlights his long-standing defence of smoking and criticism of tobacco control policies. The article notes that smoking featured prominently in his artwork and public image.
The piece recounts Hockney's opposition to smokefree legislation, including a protest at the Labour Party conference in the mid-2000s, as well as his criticism of the BBC's “smoke-free agenda” and repeated letters to newspapers challenging public health messaging on tobacco.
Source: The Guardian, 13 June 2026
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** International
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** US experts advise parents on discussing vaping with young people
An Associated Press feature published in the Independent examines how parents can talk to children and teenagers about vaping following the US Food and Drug Administration's authorisation of some fruit-flavoured e-cigarette products for adults who smoke.
The article notes concerns from some public health experts that the decision could make it more difficult to sustain recent declines in youth vaping, given the popularity of flavoured products among young people.
Health professionals interviewed for the piece highlight concerns about nicotine addiction. They encourage parents to have open, non-judgemental conversations about vaping, discuss the influence of peers and social media, and seek professional support where appropriate.
Source: The Independent, 13 June 2026
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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