ROMANIA: CNA prohibits minors from appearing in food ads | Progresiv

The National Audiovisual Council (CNA) in Romania has decided in its meeting of Tuesday, February 14, that minors aged between 3 and 15 years would no longer appear in adverts for food. The new legal provision is aimed only at broadcasters licensed in Romania (e.g. Pro TV, Antena 1, Antena 3, Prima TV) and will enter into force six months from the date of publication.

Thus, in the procedure for amending the Code regulating audiovisual content has been inserted in Article 117 (governing the advertising of food), the assertion that "advertising of foods must not encourage consumption of foods by using in advertising minors between 3 and 15 years of age".

"I have supported this amendment because it is essential to introduce a discipline in advertising in relation to minors and the role the parent plays. This new rule follows the lack of nutritional education in society and unfortunately of the responsibility of those promoting their products using the credulity of children. Superior protection of minors is essential in a society immature in food related responsibility. It's for our children. It is to their health", said Valentin Jucan, the initiator of this provision, on his Facebook page.

CAN’s decision came after the article originally proposed by Valentin Jucan, prohibiting the appearance of minors up to 18 years, was in public debate and more institutions or companies have come up with amendments. These include Romalimenta, International Advertising Association (IAA) or the National Publicity Council (RAC).