Advertising/ Health groups warn: World's children at risk from junk food marketing :

Advertising/ Health groups warn: World's children at risk from junk food marketing :

 

 This report comes at a time when international investment banks, and the international shares have warned some of the top-spending food advertisers (including Hershey, McDonald's, Tate & Lyle, Cadbury's, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Heinz and Nestlé) that they may be contributing to an obesity-promoting environment. The companies were told that their share prices may be at risk because their profits rely on selling fatty and sugary foods, which are likely to be the subject of future regulation.

 

"Junk foods and sugary drinks are supported by enormous advertising budgets that dwarf any attempt to educate children about healthy diets," said research officer Kath Dalmeny. "Junk food advertisers know that children are especially susceptible to marketing messages. They target children as young as two years old with free toys, cartoon characters, gimmicky packaging and interactive websites to ensure that children pester their parents for the products."