In a survey, the NGO highlights the strategies of major brands to attract young people and estimates that 9 out of 10 products studied should not be marketed as they are bad for health.
The latest survey of the NGO Foodwatch looked at food products intended for children and adolescents. And unsurprisingly, among the 228 drinks and foods studied, most (9 out of 10) “are too fatty, too sweet, too salty according to the nutritional criteria of the World Health Organization”.
These products, considered by the non-governmental organization as “junk food”, are nevertheless the subject of intense marketing campaigns by major brands in order to attract young consumers. For Foodwatch, these 9 out of 10 products should therefore not be authorized to use such methods.
“McDonald’s, Nestlé, Unilever, Mondelez, Burger King and Lindt encourage children to consume foods that are bad for their health. Contrary to the consensus of health experts, the government is ignoring the recommendations for strict supervision of these harmful practices. “, we can read.
“Daily bludgeoning”
These incentives are constant and well implemented, underlines the NGO. “This daily bludgeoning undermines the education efforts of parents while the youngest, seduced, develop food preferences that are catastrophic for their health,” she is alarmed.
The examples are in fact numerous. Pitch is singled out “for its summer tours with its brioche distribution stands and attracts children with its games and inflatable structures, a junk food version of the beach club”.
Hollywood chewing gum is denounced for its sponsorship of “the concert tour of Toulouse rappers Big Flo & Oli, adored by 9/15 year olds”. The giant Bel “has established a 10-year partnership with Disneyland Paris: its Kiri Goûter, the Babybel or the Vache Kiri, which are too salty for children’s health, are the star of the release of several of the park’s attractions.”
The NGO also denounces the participation of rapper Jul in a video advertisement for the soda Oasis, or the creation of a Coca-Cola can in partnership with the singer Rosalia.
“On the verge of manipulation”
“The junk food giants do not hesitate to develop strategies bordering on manipulation in order to interfere within families and undermine the food education efforts of parents who are powerless in the face of these aggressive marketing techniques. totally immoral and irresponsible when we see the consequences of junk food on the health of young people today and for their future”, asserts Audrey Morice Campaign Manager Foodwatch France.
As for the actions of these major brands to “restore their image and present themselves as responsible companies”, “it’s windy”, launches the NGO in the image of the voluntary commitment charter “EU Pledge”.
“Twenty-three food giants have committed to no longer marketing targeting children under 13… except for products that meet nutritional criteria that they have set themselves. What could be better for to play, than to set your own rules of the game?” asks the NGO.
Foodwatch therefore calls on the authorities to impose strict rules on food giants. “The marketing of products that are too fatty, too sweet, too salty, intended for children should only be authorized for foods that meet the nutritional criteria of the WHO model,” insists the association which also launched a online petition.
2023-09-13 08:41:21
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