Worldwide ban on marketing
junk food to kids
CHOICE launches an Australian campaign in support
of tough new reform.
Food and drink manufacturers in Australia and around the globe are
on notice to stop marketing unhealthy products to children - 177
million of whom are overweight or obese, including nearly one in four
Australian children.
The International Code on Marketing of Food to Children
was launched on World Consumer Rights Day (Saturday 15 March)
by a coalition including Australia's peak consumer group CHOICE, Consumers
International and the International Obesity Taskforce.
The Code seeks to block all radio and TV ads for high fat, high sugar
and high salt foods and snacks between 6am and 9pm - as well as
extend restrictions to the use of celebrities, cartoon characters, free
gifts, text messaging and online media to sell unhealthy foods to kids.
In 2006, the food, drink and confectionery industries spent US$13 billion
on worldwide advertising.
"Parents are tired of being told it's all their problem
when multimillion dollar advertising campaigns relentlessly market unhealthy
food and drinks to their children," said CHOICE'S Food Policy
Officer Clare Hughes.
CHOICE is inviting Australian parents to share their
own families' experiences of junk food marketing online at www.choice.com.au/fedup.
Ms Hughes said the federal government has an opportunity to show global
leadership and respond to parents' frustrations by implementing the
code and taking steps to support a healthier generation of Australian
families.
"We're looking for the support of the federal government
to say 'enough's enough' when it comes to the marketing of junk
food to children. It's time to call an end to the relentless promotion
of energy dense, micronutrient poor foods high in fat, salt and sugar
as being suitable for children."
The new code initiative by Consumers International, which represents
consumers in 115 countries including CHOICE in Australia, marks the
toughest move yet to combat this crisis in children's health.
The theme of this year's World Consumer Rights Day is 'Junk Food Generation',
in response to rising levels of childhood obesity around the world.
To find out more, visit our campaigns
page.
Media Release courtesy of CHOICE.
Release Date: 3rd April 2008
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