Food Advertisement and Marketing Policies Aimed at Reducing Childhood Obesity: A Review of Existing Regulations in High-Income Countries

Abstract

Objectives: To identify and evaluate the difference between voluntary and mandatory food marketing policies and regulations targeting childhood obesity and to study the role of media, the food industry, and private associations in implementing such policies. Methods: A review of policies and legislation about unhealthy food marketing was conducted by searching and extracting relevant grey literature from the websites of international health agencies, food marketing pledge databases, GINA, and NOURISHING policy databases. Statutory laws and self-regulations of high-income countries were compared with each other and with the WHO recommendations. Results: Regulations differ regarding target audience, nutrient profiling, communication media, and marketing techniques. To date, no country has implemented comprehensive regulations restricting all forms of unhealthy food marketing. Statutory laws are more meticulous and rigorous than self-regulatory policies. Conclusion: The goal of reducing childhood obesity through restrictions on unhealthy food advertising has not been met. While not welcomed by all actors, mandatory regulations may be more effective than voluntary measures in reaching this goal. A system for monitoring adherence to regulations and providing both incentives and penalties for violations is warranted.

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