Medical professionals and actors in white coats have been banned from promoting food and nutritional products in media advertising campaigns by a new law which passed through Congress last week.
The law on Food Safety and Nutrition expressly prohibits the appearance of white coats in publicity campaigns for food products. From last Thursday neither doctors, nor nurses, nor researchers or laboratory technicians are allowed to feature in food advertisements. In fact the white coat will disappear completely from food advertising including those worn by actors who assume the role of doctors on television.
Neither may food products be recommended by associations, foundations or institutions of any type unless they are non profit making.
The same law, which aims to improve public health, also prohibits the sale of sweets and canned drinks in primary schools.
