Kazakhstan is considering new restrictions on food advertising aimed at children, seeking to limit the promotion of high-salt, sugar, and fat products across TV, radio, social media, and outdoor billboards to combat childhood obesity.
Kazakhstan is preparing new restrictions on food advertising aimed at children, in a move that would curb promotions for products high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats across television, radio, social media and outdoor billboards.
Gulnar Sarsembayeva, who heads the Health Ministry’s medical care organisation department, said the proposal is intended to reduce the influence of marketing on children’s eating habits and encourage healthier routines from an early age. The ministry argues that children and teenagers are especially vulnerable to adverts, colourful packaging, influencer promotions and other forms of digital marketing.
The plan would build on a series of earlier public-health measures in Kazakhstan. In February 2025, the World Health Organisation said the country had implemented a ban on selling energy drinks to people under 21, and the organisation described the step as part of efforts to protect young people from the health risks linked with high sugar intake. Kazakhstan’s parliament had approved the restriction in June 2024.
The ministry says its latest draft changes are based on international practice and World Health Organisation recommendations. It also points to domestic data showing that 23% of children aged six to nine are overweight and 6% are living with obesity, while 17.5% of teenagers drink energy drinks weekly. Since September 2025, schools have also been required to follow new nutrition standards designed to reduce sugar and salt while increasing vegetables, fruit and dairy, alongside wider education campaigns for children and parents.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
