Junk food companies in last chance saloon

The British Heart Foundation has warned food companies to “lift their game” in the fight against childhood obesity following a debate in Parliament today (April 25). The charity is supporting a bill from Labour MP Nigel Griffiths, calling for a 9pm watershed on TV advertising and substantially curtail other marketing activities, which has had its second reading.

The call also comes ahead of an Ofcom review into the existing regulations, which ban the TV advertising of foods high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) during children’s television or shows watched by a high percentage of kids.

BHF policy and public affairs manager Ruairi O’Connor says: “Junk food companies have been given a last shot to prove they can put the interests of children first, and take the issue of childhood obesity seriously, before the government will surely be forced to regulate,” says BHF policy and public affairs manager Ruairi O’Connor.

A BHF survey suggests nearly one in three shoppers leave their children behind on shopping trips to avoid rows over junk foods. Nearly one in three try to bribe them by promising children something else instead.

The BHF launched a campaign against the use of pester power by junk food companies in January. It claims two-thirds of parents are unaware that brands such as Skittles, McDonald’s and Irn Bru are targeting children with online games.