Unhealthy foods being marketed to children: ethical or not?

26 March 2008

A global campaign aimed at reducing the marketing of unhealthy food to children has been launched. More than 50 consumer groups are backing a voluntary code of practice which includes tight restrictions on television and internet advertising.

The code concentrates on foods high in fat, sugar and salt, and, in addition to a ban on advertising between 6am and 9pm, asks for a complete halt to internet and new media advertising, and no use of celebrities or cartoon characters, competitions or free gifts. It also calls for a ban on unhealthy food promotion in schools.

The new measures have the backing of the London-based International Obesity Task Force. Its chairman, Professor Philip James, said:

"It is vital that, as well as governments, food industry leaders support the new standards we propose. We challenge the giants of the food and beverage industry to throw their weight behind this and demonstrate they really do want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem."

For full details on this news item, visit the BBC website.

|

|