In a recent move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated guidelines calling for stricter regulations on the advertising of unhealthy food and beverages to children. The WHO’s findings indicate that the marketing of such products has a detrimental impact on children’s diets and contributes to various health issues. The guidelines stress the urgent need for mandatory policies to protect children from the promotion of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) items. According to the WHO, the previous recommendations made in 2010 have proven ineffective in curbing the adverse effects of food marketing on children’s eating habits and overall well-being.
Therefore, the organization asserts that more robust measures are necessary to address this critical issue. Leading experts in the field also support these guidelines, highlighting the substantial influence that food marketing has on shaping children’s dietary preferences and health outcomes. The newly released document by the WHO explicitly emphasizes the importance of safeguarding young children from the targeted advertising of products like chips and sugary drinks. It calls for comprehensive policies that encompass all age groups and aim to limit the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages that are high in saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, and salt.
The WHO’s statement explains that these updated recommendations are based on recent evidence, including extensive reviews that have shed light on the profound impact of food marketing on various aspects of children’s health. The exposure and influence of marketing have been shown to significantly affect children’s dietary choices, eating behaviors, and attitudes toward food. Furthermore, it influences the development of norms surrounding food consumption among children. In conclusion, the WHO has taken a strong stance on the issue of food marketing and its negative repercussions on children’s well-being.
With the release of updated guidelines, the organization urges countries worldwide to implement stricter measures to prohibit the advertising of unhealthy food and drinks to children. By doing so, it aims to protect children of all ages from the harmful effects of HFSS products and foster healthier eating habits from an early age. The WHO’s call for action underscores the urgent need to prioritize the well-being of children and safeguard their future health.