UK - People think main responsibility for child's diet lies with parents

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 27 Jan 2004 - 0:00 PDT


A recent survey in the UK suggests that most people believe that improvements in a child's diet lies with its parents (primarily), then schools and then the food manufacturers.

The majority thought that there should be more control over the way fast foods are promoted to children.

The Food Standards Agency (UK) commissioned the poll. Today there is a public debate in the UK on this subject (food promotion and advertising).

As the problem of weight gain and obesity grows in the UK, people are becoming more and more concerned about the role of food and drinks companies.

The majority of parents say that their efforts to control what their children eat is hampered by they way food and drinks advertising is specifically targeted at children. They felt that celebrity endorsements (pop starts and TV presenters) have a huge influence on children's choice of different foods.

56% of the people interviewed in the survey thought that sweets and chocolates (UK, sweets. US, candy) should not be displayed at supermarket checkouts.

Sir John Krebs, Food Standards Agency Chairman, said, 'The rising level of obesity in children is worrying to us all, not least to the parents of those children. Doing nothing is not an option but reversing the trend is a huge task and one in which we all have a role to play.

'The British public recognise the role that parents must play in improving the diets and health of their children.

'But it is also clear from our poll that they can't do it on their own - they need support from schools, industry, broadcasters and government if they are to make a difference.'

The Food Standards Agency concluded that food promotion and advertising does have a profound effect on children's choice of foods.

These findings will be discussed at a public meeting today. Later on in the year, recommendations will be put forward to the government (of the UK).

In Sweden, it is illegal for TV advertising to target children specifically.

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