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Children sold on junk foods

Advertisers on television are encouraging children to eat unhealthy amounts of fatty or sugary foods and drinks, while healthy diets get little promotional support, according to a review of research by a team at Strathclyde University. The researchers found that children's food promotion concentrates on the 'Big Four' products of pre-sugared breakfast cereals, soft drinks, confectionery and savoury snacks, supplemented by the spread of fast-food outlets. The study, which analysed about 30,000 pieces of research, was commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and is contained in a report, Does Food Promotion Influence Children? A Systematic Review of the Evidence, published last week.

The researchers found that children's food promotion concentrates on the 'Big Four' products of pre-sugared breakfast cereals, soft drinks, confectionery and savoury snacks, supplemented by the spread of fast-food outlets. The study, which analysed about 30,000 pieces of research, was commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and is contained in a report, Does Food Promotion Influence Children? A Systematic Review of the Evidence, published last week.

The report said, 'The advertised diet contrasts sharply with that recommended by public health advisers.Themes of fun and fantasy or taste, rather than health and nutrition, are used to promote it to children.

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