The Broadcasting Authority is launching another consultation document with proposed standards for broadcasters who transmit cookery programmes or cooking slots in magazine programmes.

Cooking programmes are becoming increasingly popular on local television stations and the authority has recently nominated a committee of experts in the field to draw up regulations which should be implemented by television stations during such broadcasts.

In the past, the authority issued a number of guidelines on such programme genres in a bid to sensitise broadcasters on the need to practise good hygiene standards and food safety.

The draft legal notice primarily focuses on how food products should be handled. The authority believes that what is featured on local screens has a bearing on what happens in households, and therefore stations should ensure they lead by example.

To date, there are no specific provisions in the Broadcasting Act which address these programme genres, and this consultation document would provide an opportunity for all stakeholders in the field to submit their feedback on the matter, the authority said.