Report urges governments to protect children from effects of junk food marketing

A new report by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) calls on governments to implement restrictions around marketing junk food to protect children from harmful exposure. 

According to WCRF, countries are failing to protect children from the effects of marketing food and non-alcoholic beverages high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) which is undermining their right to adequate health and nutrition.

The report, the third in the Building Momentum series, highlights the rising rates of childhood obesity and as a result the increased risk of cancer amongst other diseases.

WCRF claims that regulating the marketing of junk food to children will reduce their exposure to these products and how much of them they eat, therefore reducing childhood obesity rates.

Kate Oldridge-Turner, head of policy and public affairs at WCRF, said: “Our report highlights the vital role that governments play in ensuring that junk food not be actively promoted to children.

“Governments who implement marketing restrictions are not banning any food from the market, they are simply restricting the food and beverage industry from advertising harmful products and targeting children who are vulnerable.”

The report provides policymakers with advice about designing and implementing restrictions around marketing junk food to children. This includes how to use a rights-based approach and overcome challenges such as industry interference and policy inertia.

“By framing a specific problem as a child rights or human rights problem more generally, you’re making it more imperative for states to adopt an effective regulatory framework and be accountable for their failure to do so,” said Professor Amandine Garde, director of law and NCD unit at the University of Liverpool.

Jane Martin, executive manager of the Australian obesity policy coalition, said: “It’s naive to entrust our children’s health to the same companies that are actively encouraging them to consume unhealthy foods.

“The end goal of the food industry will always be to make more profit. When 350 million children and young people worldwide are above a healthy weight, we need the government to introduce higher standards to protect children from the influence of sneaky marketing tactics.”