An analysis of food and drink promotion to children, published by theDepartment of Health, found that child-themed advertising spending ontelevision was 41 per cent lower in 2007 than 2003.
However, in national and women's magazines it increased by 42 per centbetween 2007 and 2003, and a combined increase of 11 per cent was notedfor radio, internet and cinema over the same period.
Restrictions during TV programmes aimed at children under 16 wereintroduced in January, and dedicated children's channels will be bannedfrom showing advertisements for such foods altogether from December(News, 10 January).
The research, Changes in Food and Drink Advertising and Promotion toChildren, follows accusations from campaigners that junk food promotions'are going behind parents' backs' (News, 24 July).
by developing child-centred content on company websites or using cartooncharacters on the packaging of unhealthy food (News, 24 July).
Dawn Primarolo, the public health minister, said, 'I am pleased thatthere are now fewer ads on TV that are tempting our children into badeating habits - but we must keep our eye on other types of media. I hopethat the industry will continue to play its part in reducing theexposure that children have to the promotion of food which is high infat, salt or sugar.'
Read the study athttp://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_089129.
