The Marketing of Unhealthy Foods to Children

MARKETING OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES TO CHILDREN

Stakeholder views on policy options in Ireland. Summary Findings from the PolMark project.

Full PolMark report for Ireland.

The National Heart Alliance and Irish Heart Foundation have adopted a position on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.

Key recommendations of the Children’s Food Campaign:

The Children’s Advertising Code should restrict advertising of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods high in fat, sugar and salt, as defined by nutrient profiling between the hours of 06:00 and 21:00.
Parents, carers and guardians need support from the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the Department of Education and Science, as well as other statutory and voluntary bodies on the identification of health risk and guidance for implementing healthy dietary patterns in the home.
The school environment is a pivotal setting for the promotion of healthy living, physical activity and healthy weight, which needs to be guided by a healthy food policy.
The healthcare environment needs to be guided by a food and nutrition policy.
The retail sector should develop and implement a code of practice to control placement of unhealthy foods at toddler and child level and at checkouts.
Manufacturers should reformulate products high in fat, sugar and salt, especially those aimed specifically at children.
Government Departments and agencies and the new Broadcasting Authority of Ireland should monitor the nature and extent of food marketing to children, with particular reference to the emerging technologies of the Internet and text messaging.

Click here to view the Children's Food Campaign Website

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