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18/04/2008
Calls For Tougher Junk Food Advertising Laws
More than eighty percent of adults believe junk food advertising can make it difficult to feed children healthy food, a new survey has claimed.
Consumer watchdog Which? Found 83% of consumers surveyed wanted the government to become more involved in controlling the marketing of unhealthy food to children. In total 2,000 people were questioned.
A Bill which would introduce strict regulations on advertising of healthy food is due to be read for the second time in Parliament next week.
It calls for a 9pm watershed for junk food advertising and for children to be protected from other forms of marketing.
Clare Corbett, a food campaigner at Which?, said: "New types of promotions, like online and text messaging, have given food companies a whole new playground to promote unhealthy products to children.
"It's no wonder pester power is a continuing problem and our research shows the real strength of public feeling."
She continued: "With childhood obesity and diet-related health problems on the increase, the Government must take serious action and soon. It is a complex problem with no easy solution, but with approaches from every angle, including an end to irresponsible marketing, there's more chance of winning the battle against childhood obesity."
However, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said advertisers in the UK are one of the most heavily regulated in Europe.
"When it comes to the marketing of food and drink products, the UK is now one of the most heavily regulated countries in Europe," Julian Hunt, FDF director of communications, said. "Our members take a responsible approach to the way the market their products and further restrictions would seem to be neither necessary nor proportionate."
Baroness Peta Buscombe, Chief Executive of the Advertising Association, also said: "The polling claims by Which? seem rather loaded.
"Indeed, a recent Ipsos Mori poll asking a more balanced question showed that 76% of UK adults believe that introducing a 9pm watershed on food advertising would not reduce the level of childhood obesity."
(JM)
Consumer watchdog Which? Found 83% of consumers surveyed wanted the government to become more involved in controlling the marketing of unhealthy food to children. In total 2,000 people were questioned.
A Bill which would introduce strict regulations on advertising of healthy food is due to be read for the second time in Parliament next week.
It calls for a 9pm watershed for junk food advertising and for children to be protected from other forms of marketing.
Clare Corbett, a food campaigner at Which?, said: "New types of promotions, like online and text messaging, have given food companies a whole new playground to promote unhealthy products to children.
"It's no wonder pester power is a continuing problem and our research shows the real strength of public feeling."
She continued: "With childhood obesity and diet-related health problems on the increase, the Government must take serious action and soon. It is a complex problem with no easy solution, but with approaches from every angle, including an end to irresponsible marketing, there's more chance of winning the battle against childhood obesity."
However, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said advertisers in the UK are one of the most heavily regulated in Europe.
"When it comes to the marketing of food and drink products, the UK is now one of the most heavily regulated countries in Europe," Julian Hunt, FDF director of communications, said. "Our members take a responsible approach to the way the market their products and further restrictions would seem to be neither necessary nor proportionate."
Baroness Peta Buscombe, Chief Executive of the Advertising Association, also said: "The polling claims by Which? seem rather loaded.
"Indeed, a recent Ipsos Mori poll asking a more balanced question showed that 76% of UK adults believe that introducing a 9pm watershed on food advertising would not reduce the level of childhood obesity."
(JM)
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28 March 2008
School's Out For Junk Food
The School Food Trust is to set in motion measures that will curb school children binging on junk food. Currently in some parts of England, pupils have a choice of more than 40 fast food shops, with many targeting children with special lunch menus.
School's Out For Junk Food
The School Food Trust is to set in motion measures that will curb school children binging on junk food. Currently in some parts of England, pupils have a choice of more than 40 fast food shops, with many targeting children with special lunch menus.
14 October 2008
Fewer Junk Food Ads On TV, 'But More In Print Media'
Fewer children are being exposed to junk food advertising on TV, while child-themed advertising spend has decreased by 41% since the beginning of 2003, a new report published by the Department of Health has revealed. The decrease is the most notable in TV advertising which fell sharply in 2007, with a 46% drop compared with 2003.
Fewer Junk Food Ads On TV, 'But More In Print Media'
Fewer children are being exposed to junk food advertising on TV, while child-themed advertising spend has decreased by 41% since the beginning of 2003, a new report published by the Department of Health has revealed. The decrease is the most notable in TV advertising which fell sharply in 2007, with a 46% drop compared with 2003.
05 February 2007
Mars to pull adverts aimed at children
The company which manufactures popular chocolate bars such as Mars and Snickers has announced that it will stop using advertising campaigns which target children under 12. Masterfoods said that it would cease to advertise in magazines and during television shows which were aimed at the under-twelves by the end of this year.
Mars to pull adverts aimed at children
The company which manufactures popular chocolate bars such as Mars and Snickers has announced that it will stop using advertising campaigns which target children under 12. Masterfoods said that it would cease to advertise in magazines and during television shows which were aimed at the under-twelves by the end of this year.
06 October 2008
New Council of Food Policy Advisors Announced
The establishment of a new team of advisers on food policy from 'the farm to the fork' has been announced today by Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs.
New Council of Food Policy Advisors Announced
The establishment of a new team of advisers on food policy from 'the farm to the fork' has been announced today by Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs.
25 April 2012
Report Criticises Supermarkets For Continuing To Display Sweets At The Checkout
The Children's Food Campaign (CFC) have accused supermarkets of undermining parents' efforts to feed children healthily by displaying junk food near checkout queues.
Report Criticises Supermarkets For Continuing To Display Sweets At The Checkout
The Children's Food Campaign (CFC) have accused supermarkets of undermining parents' efforts to feed children healthily by displaying junk food near checkout queues.
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