We've sent a submission to the Advertising Standards Authority on the advertising of unhealthy food.
In April 2008 we surveyed the number of food ads screened on TV1, TV2, TV3, Prime, Sky and C4 during one week.
Nearly 2500 food ads were broadcast. Just over a quarter of these were for fast-food companies. Chocolate bars and other treat foods also made regular appearances. This type of advertising heavily outweighed the 460 ads for healthier foods such as packaged steamed vegetables and lean meat.
There’s increasing evidence that marketing of unhealthy food contributes to obesity, especially in children. That’s why last month we sent a submission to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) on the Review of the Code for Advertising to Children and the Code for Advertising of Food.
We wanted to see restrictions on radio or television advertising of unhealthy food. As well, we think there should be a ban on the use of free gifts, collectible items, celebrities, cartoon characters, or competitions to promote unhealthy foods.
Revision of the ASA codes is a chance to help provide an advertising environment that supports healthy eating.
More from consumer.org.nz
- Download a copy of our full submission.
- Children's breakfast cereals - our review of 45 cereals marketed to children.
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