Call for ban on ‘unhealthy’ TV ads

THE Co-operative Group has re-iterated its call for a ban on "unhealthy" TV advertising to children, following the publication of the Food Standards Agency review findings, which clearly demonstrate the link between advertising and children&#039s eating patterns.
The findings back up the Group&#039s own research three years ago, when it implemented a voluntary ban on the advertising of salty, fatty or sugary foods during children&#039s TV as part of its Food Crimes "Blackmail" campaign.
In addition, to help reduce "pester power" in stores, the Co-op Group has removed cartoon characters from the packaging of Co-op brand products that might appeal to children but are high in salt, sugar or fat.
Christine Clarke, head of Co-op brand, commented: "The FSA findings come as no surprise to us. Our own research demonstrated the extent of food and drink advertising targeted at children and how this advertising exploits children&#039s vulnerabilities and run counter to the Government&#039s healthy eating guidelines.
"Our customers ? parents in particular ? are crying out for action to be taken against the mass advertising of these products, which is why we&#039re campaigning for an all-out ban."