Global Initiative Launched To End Junk Food Ads

March 17, 2008
More than 50 consumer groups have launched a worldwide campaign to reduce the marketing of unhealthy food to children.

Among other things, the new voluntary code calls for tight restrictions on both television and Internet advertising, prohibits the marketing of junk food in schools, and would end the use of celebrities and cartoon characters in the advertising of unhealthy foods. The International Obesity Taskforce and Consumers International have jointly developed the International Code on Marketing of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Children which they plan to present to the World Health Assembly next month.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) received a mandate last year to develop its own set of recommendations on marketing to children. It is expected to begin its consultation process over the next 12 months.
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