Food companies have been accused of ‘sinister tactics’ to get children to eat junk food
Food companies are using ‘sinister tactics’ to trick children into eating unhealthy snacks.
More than three in four products with packaging that appeals to young people contain a lot of fat, sugar or salt, according to campaign body Bite Back.
Britain is ‘sleepwalking into an avoidable health crisis’, the group claims, calling on the government to curb unethical marketing to halt the rise in childhood obesity.
The research found that the ten largest food and drink manufacturers in Britain sold 262 products with child-appealing packaging; 78 percent of these were considered unhealthy. These include chips, cereal, ice cream and sweets.
TV chief Jamie Oliver, co-founder of Bite Back, said the marketing was aimed directly at children.
Food companies are using ‘sinister tactics’ to trick children into eating unhealthy snacks, new data shows (stock image)
More than three out of four products with packaging that appeals to young people contain a lot of fat, sugar or salt (stock image)
“Whether it’s fun characters, bright images or exciting new shapes, these enthusiastic companies choose them because they know they will captivate young minds,” he said.
The Department of Health and Social Care said the sugar reduction program had reduced levels. It planned promotion on ‘buy one, get one free’ deals and advertising on TV and online.