IHF defends stance on advertising and obesity
By Sandra Ryan
A statement from the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) and the National Food Alliance (NFA) that there is a link between childhood obesity and “aggressive” TV ad campaigns directed at children have no evidence to support them, according to the Food and Drink Industry of Ireland (FFDI).
A statement from the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) and the National Food Alliance (NFA) that there is a link between childhood obesity and “aggressive” TV ad campaigns directed at children have no evidence to support them, according to the Food and Drink Industry of Ireland (FFDI).
However, Dr Brian Maurer, President of the IHF and consultant cardiologist in St Vincent’s University Hospital, said advertising certain foods to children can increase calorie intake and lead to obesity.
“The food industry would hardly be advertising if they didn’t believe it increased sales of their products,” Dr Maurer said. “There is evidence of increased calorie consumption in children and clear evidence of the alarming side-effects of obesity in children.”
He said the inappropriate marketing of high-density foods is not good for children.
At a presentation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children last week, representatives from the IHF and NFA called for a restriction on TV advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugar directed at children.
However, Mr Paul Kelly of the FDII told the Committee there is no evidence linking advertising to obesity.
“Few countries or regions, with the exception of Sweden, Quebec and Norway, have banned TV advertising to children on ‘ethical grounds’,” said Mr. Kelly.
“In fact, obesity rates in Sweden are above the EU average while the actual impact of advertising censorship to children has in some countries proved to have no impact on obesity.”
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