The battle against junk food advertising
The term “epidemic” is often used to describe the growing problem of childhood obesity. But did you know that nearly 22 million children are overweight or obese? If that’s not alarming enough, experts say the figure is tipped to be rising.
While corporations continue to profit, and the fast food industry continues to expand, what can consumer organisations do to protect children from irresponsible food advertising?
In today’s food marketing side event, speakers from the UK, US, Australia and India shared tips and experiences on their respective battles against junk food marketing.
The level of government control over advertising differs largely between countries. Most countries aim to move towards a system that limits TV advertising to children and the introduction of “nutrition profiling”.
The UK is seen to be a role model in having “traffic lights system” in food labelling and its plans to implement a 9pm “watershed” for advertising food high in salt, sugar and fat.
There is an incredible sense of frustration from parents who are bombarded by all sorts of promotions,” Sue Davies form UK’s Which? Magazine said.
Ms Davies also suggests it is important to monitor ads during programs that are watched by a large number of children, rather than shows that are designed for children only.
Clare Hughes from CHOICE points out that online games, competitions and product promotions are influencing children’s food choices as much as traditional TV ads. The challenge remains for the government to assume a bigger role in regulating the industry and a having a simpler complaint process for consumers.
The US is “halfway between Australia and UK” in terms of progress against junk food ads, according to Bruce Silverglade from US’s centre for Science in the Public Interest.
There are industry codes of practice, but they are largely voluntary.
It makes no sense to say it’s up to the parents to control children’s eating habits and then allow the industry to spend billions of dollars to undermine these values,” he said.
What is your experience and where does your country fit in along the spectrum of government regulation? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think.
