The International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) report details how new forms of advertising are increasingly being employed which bypass parental control to target children directly.
Exploitative marketing techniques is an growing reality. The increasing use of the internet among chidren, together with traditional television advertising, can be linked to the rise in childhood obesity. See EPHA’s article Watching TV increases the risk of obesity
With the global epidemic of obesity already triggering the development of type 2 diabetes in increasing numbers of children, the IOTF said an internationally enforceable code was needed to give clear principles for governments, industry and others to follow.
The IOTF, EPHA and numerous other health organisations believe that youngsters should be protected from unscrupulous marketing and are demanding a ban of all advertising of junk foods and non-nutritious foods aimed at children.
Specifically, the IOTF is calling on WHO member states to ask WHO to take the lead, with other UN agencies, governments, international partners and other stakeholders, to develop international standards to protect children.
The report casts serious doubt over the effectiveness of self-regulation by the food industry.
The question of regulation is an issue close to the heart of EPHA, who is calling for better regulation of marketing to children in the current debate on the "Television without Frontiers" Directive in the European Parliament.
The extent to which public health will be protected in this Directive is uncertain at this point.
Related Links:
The revision of the Television Without Frontiers directive: EPHA lobbying activities
The Revised "Television Without Frontiers" Directive - the public health concerns
Towards banning junk food advertising? The UK debates
Watching TV increases the risk of obesity
For more information on Obesity, see our section on Obesity and overweight issues
