European WHO network against marketing to children

On Tuesday June 3rd 2008 Knut-Inge Klepp from the Norwegian Directorate of Health gave a talk in Copenhagen at the 9'th Nordic Nutrition Conference.

See his slides (pdf-file 600K)

Listen to his words (mp3-file 19 MB)

View video part 1 - View video part 2 on YouTube

Abstract:

Reducing marketing pressure of unhealthy foods towards children. A European network effort.

Extensive marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages towards children have been documented across countries. The large majority of this marketing effort is for products high in fat and/or sugar. Children recognise this marketing effort, they are engaged by it, and there are studies demonstrating that it influences purchasing behaviour and consumption patterns. Thus, action to reduce the marketing pressure on children of food and non-alcoholic beverages has repeatedly been called for – in World Health Assembly resolutions, at WHO European regional level and at national level in several countries, including by the Nordic countries.

The WHO Regional Office for Europe has facilitated the initiation of region-wide action networks to ensure the followup of actions outlined in the Second WHO European Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Policy. Several countries were interested in a network on marketing to children. Norway took on the responsibility to lead and facilitate this network which currently includes 14 countries. The main objectives of the network is to protect children’s health through sharing experiences and best practices in order to identify and implement specific actions which will substantially reduce the extent and impact of all marketing to children of energy-dense, micronutrient-poor foods and beverages. Specific objectives, work to date and challenges towards developing an international set of recommendations on marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children will be presented and discussed.