Protecting Children From Harmful Food Marketing: Options for Local Government to Make a Difference
2011

Protecting Children From Harmful Food Marketing

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Harris Jennifer L., Graff Samantha K.

Primary Institution: Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, Yale University

Hypothesis

How can local governments effectively limit harmful food marketing targeted at children?

Conclusion

Local governments have a critical role in developing and implementing policies to improve the food marketing environment for children.

Supporting Evidence

  • Food marketing targeted to children promotes unhealthy foods.
  • Children are particularly vulnerable to persuasive food marketing.
  • Local governments can implement policies to limit harmful food marketing.

Takeaway

This study shows that food marketing aimed at kids is unhealthy and that local governments can help protect children by making rules about it.

Potential Biases

Food companies may not genuinely commit to changing marketing practices despite public health concerns.

Limitations

The effectiveness of proposed local policies to restrict food marketing to children is not yet fully tested.

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