Junk ads find new outlets
Food companies are increasingly turning to cinema, the internet and magazines to promote junk food to children since the Government imposed restrictions on TV advertising, new research has found.
An analysis of food and drink promotion to children, published by the Department of Health, found that child-themed advertising spending on television was 41 per cent lower in 2007 than 2003.
However, in national and women's magazines it increased by 42 per cent between 2007 and 2003, and a combined increase of 11 per cent was noted for radio, internet and cinema over the same period.
Restrictions during TV programmes aimed at children under 16 were introduced in January, and dedicated children's channels will be banned from showing advertisements for such foods altogether from December (News, 10 January).
The research, Changes in Food and Drink Advertising and Promotion to Children, follows accusations from campaigners that junk food promotions 'are going behind parents' backs' (News, 24 July).
by developing child-centred content on company websites or using cartoon characters on the packaging of unhealthy food (News, 24 July).
Dawn Primarolo, the public health minister, said, 'I am pleased that there are now fewer ads on TV that are tempting our children into bad eating habits - but we must keep our eye on other types of media. I hope that the industry will continue to play its part in reducing the exposure that children have to the promotion of food which is high in fat, salt or sugar.'
Read the study at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/Publicati onsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_089129.
