Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan may restrict advertising aimed at children for fast food, sugary drinks and other products high in sugar, salt and saturated fat, according to the Ministry of Healthcare.
Why advertising may be restricted
The Healthcare Ministry said it is proposing limits on the promotion of such products on television, radio, social media and in outdoor advertising. Amendments to existing legislation have been drafted for this purpose.
The ministry has now begun preparing a regulatory impact analysis of the proposed restrictions.
“The main goal of the legislative initiatives is to reduce the marketing influence on children’s food preferences and help develop healthy habits from an early age. Food advertising has a particularly strong effect on children and adolescents, who are more susceptible to bright packaging, promotion through social media, bloggers and other marketing tools,” the Healthcare Ministry said.
The measures are not intended to ban the products themselves, but rather to reduce children’s exposure to their advertising.
What research shows
According to studies conducted in Kazakhstan, nearly one in four children aged 6 to 9 is overweight, while 6 percent have been diagnosed with obesity. At the same time, 17.5 percent of adolescents consume energy drinks at least once a week.
“Kazakhstan is already implementing a number of measures to promote healthy eating. The sale of energy drinks to people under the age of 21 is prohibited. Since September 2025, a new Nutrition Standard has been in effect in educational institutions, providing for reduced sugar and salt content in meals, as well as a greater share of vegetables, fruit and dairy products. Regions have been instructed to strengthen preventive work and raise awareness among children and parents about the principles of healthy eating,” the Healthcare Ministry said.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev previously called for children to be protected from aggressive fast-food advertising. The Head of State made the remarks during the August Conference of Teachers in Astana.
