TV Dinners: What's being served up by the Advertisers

This report demonstrates how the advertising of unhealthy foods during children’s TV continues to conflict with official dietary recommendations. National and international perspectives are presented, health implications explored and industry arguments exposed. The recommendations aim to protect children from unfair advertising and promotional activities.

Report contents

Background

• The promotion of unhealthy foods
• Impact on children’s health
• European initiatives
• UK perspectives

The Research

• Aims
• Method
• Analysis

Results

• Food as a percentage of all advertising
• Frequency of food advertising
• Types of food advertised
• Most advertised food brands

Nutritional analysis of advertised foods

Comparisons with Balance of Good Health classification

• Fatty and sugary foods
• Fruit and vegetables
• Bread, other cereals and potatoes
• Milk and dairy foods
• Meat, fish and alternatives

Discussion

• Research findings
• Recommendations for the Food Standards Agency
• Recommendations for the Independent Television Commission
• Recommendations for the food industry

Conclusion

Appendices

• Appendix I: Children and advertising – the arguments industry use
• Appendix II: Coronary Prevention Group Banding Scheme
• Appendix III: The Balance of Good Health
• Appendix IV: Advertised foods by category

References