Ban ads for unhealthy children’s food, urges group

A CLAMPDOWN on the advertising of unhealthy food at children and an increase in funding for PE in schools is needed if Ireland’s childhood obesity rates, which are higher than the European average, are to be tackled, according to the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF).

They are calling on the Government to ban TV marketing of unhealthy foods at children before 9pm, to start collecting data on the extent of such advertising and to begin ploughing money into PE so schools don’t have to rely on commercial funding.

The IHF and the National Heart Alliance (NHA) made a presentation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children yesterday where they outlined how food marketing affects childrens’ food preferences, their purchase behaviour and consumption of certain foods.

The two bodies called for all schools, pre-schools and third-level institutions to have healthy food policies and for a once-off €5,000 grant to be made available to primary and secondary schools so they can improve their quality of PE.

The rate of childhood obesity in Ireland is growing each year and is linked to serious health problems such as type two diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems. Recent research shows that one in five Irish children have high consumption of unhealthy food and drinks.

An average of one in five Irish children, aged 5-12, are overweight or obese, compared to one in six in Europe.

The chairman of the NHA, David Kennedy, called for a brave stance to be taken to tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity:

“In implementing the smoking ban, Ireland showed that it can be courageous and take an international lead to implement good health promoting policy. There is an opportunity for the Irish government to again show leadership, in tackling obesity.”

Meanwhile, fast-food chain McDonald’s has taken another step to makes its children’s menus healthier — by introducing ‘Mum’s panels’, where parents can have their say on what is offered to their children.

The panels will provide a sounding board for new childrens’ products and initiatives including menu ideas, communication and information initiatives, restaurant design and service, according to McDonald’s.