The EU has warned food companies to stop advertising junk food to children and give clearer indications on labels.

EU health and consumer affairs commissioner said today (Thursday) Markos Kyprianou that legislation would be enforced upon the industry if it does not put its own house in order.

He said the move is necessary if Europe is to fight rising levels of obesity and gave the food industry a year to show signs of real commitment to the EU cause.

A quarter of children in the EU are obese and a depressing 400,000 are joining the obese or overweight club every year. According the latest figures from the International Obesity Taskforce, 36 per cent of nine-year-olds in Italy are overweight or obese. In Spain, 27 per cent of children and adolescents are affected.

Talks on the subject between the EU, food industry and health authorities since last year, but are expected to become more serious in the next couple of months.

Any changes will be part of wide-reaching recommendations that are being developed in consultation with the food industry and health authorities. In March, Kyprianou is expected to announce a platform from which the EU will step up negotiations and identify its key challenges and targets in the reduction of obesity.

He said that the food industry's initial response has been "very encouraging". However, the health and consumer affairs office warned that while there are no laws yet in the pipeline, "it's harder to avoid legislation if there is no sign of progress".

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