News • Children's Food Campaign
Ofcom figures highlight just how far their rules fall short of what is needed to protecting children from junk food advertising
In response to the Ofcom review of their rules on junk food advertising, Richard Watts, coordinator of the Children's Food campaign said: "Although we welcome this modest fall in children's exposure to junk food advertising, Ofcom's figures highlight just how far their rules fall short of what is needed. If we are serious about putting children's health first, we must protect them from junk food advertising before the 9pm watershed, because children watch most TV in the early evening."
He continued: "These figures also show that the cost of protecting children from junk food advertising is minimal. Broadcasters have only suffered tiny falls in their revenue as a result of these rules and, for digital channels, this was offset by revenue rising from other kinds of advert. There is now no excuse for the government not to give our children the protection from junk food adverts they deserve."
ends
Richard Watts
Campaigns Director, Sustain: The Alliance for Better Food and Farming
Mob: 07710 782719 - Tel: 0203 5596 777
Published Wednesday 17 December 2008
Children's Food Campaign: Better food and food teaching for children in schools, and protection of children from junk food marketing are the aims of Sustain's high-profile Children's Food Campaign. We also want clear food labelling that can be understood by everyone, including children.
