The Canadian government is launching a public consultation on restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
Health Canada is consulting on regulations governing the advertising of junk food aimed at kids. The regulator is also considering revisions to Canada’s Food Guide, following “broad consultation” in 2016.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Yesterday’s (11 June) announcement was made at the Dietitians of Canada national conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both consultations are part of the Canadian government’s healthy eating strategy, which outlines how Health Canada will achieve the Government’s commitments on sodium, trans fats, sugars and food colours. They will run to 25 July.
“Marketing to kids is so pervasive today, and it is becoming more and more difficult for parents to control their children’s exposure to these unhealthy messages. We are committed to making healthy choices easier for parents and their children, by restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and also providing guidance to parents that is more useful and user-friendly,” Health Minister Jane Philpott said.
According to government figures, Canadian children view on average four to five food and beverage ads per hour of television watched. Between 65% and 80% of advertised products are not in line with current Canadian dietary guidance.
