1
|
Potvin Kent M, Bagnato M, Remedios L, Soares Guimarães J, Gillis G, Soto C, Hatoum F, Pritchard M. Child and adolescent exposure to unhealthy food marketing across digital platforms in Canada. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1740. [PMID: 38951838 PMCID: PMC11218052 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents are exposed to a high volume of unhealthy food marketing across digital media. No previous Canadian data has estimated child exposure to food marketing across digital media platforms. This study aimed to compare the frequency, healthfulness and power of food marketing viewed by children and adolescents across all digital platforms in Canada. METHODS For this cross-sectional study, a quota sample of 100 youth aged 6-17 years old (50 children, 50 adolescents distributed equally by sex) were recruited online and in-person in Canada in 2022. Each participant completed the WHO screen capture protocol where they were recorded using their smartphone or tablet for 30-min in an online Zoom session. Research assistants identified all instances of food marketing in the captured video footage. A content analysis of each marketing instance was then completed to examine the use of marketing techniques. Nutritional data were collected on each product viewed and healthfulness was determined using Health Canada's 2018 Nutrient Profile Model. Estimated daily and yearly exposure to food marketing was calculated using self-reported device usage data. RESULTS 51% of youth were exposed to food marketing. On average, we estimated that children are exposed to 1.96 marketing instances/child/30-min (4067 marketing instances/child/year) and adolescents are exposed to 2.56 marketing instances/adolescent/30-min (8301 marketing instances/adolescent/year). Both children and adolescents were most exposed on social media platforms (83%), followed by mobile games (13%). Both age groups were most exposed to fast food (22% of marketing instances) compared to other food categories. Nearly 90% of all marketing instances were considered less healthy according to Health Canada's proposed 2018 Nutrient Profile Model, and youth-appealing marketing techniques such as graphic effects and music were used frequently. CONCLUSIONS Using the WHO screen capture protocol, we were able to determine that child and adolescent exposure to the marketing of unhealthy foods across digital media platforms is likely high. Government regulation to protect these vulnerable populations from the negative effects of this marketing is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | | | - Grace Gillis
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Carolina Soto
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Farah Hatoum
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Potvin Kent M, Bagnato M, Amson A, Remedios L, Pritchard M, Sabir S, Gillis G, Pauzé E, Vanderlee L, White C, Hammond D. #junkfluenced: the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages by social media influencers popular with Canadian children on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:37. [PMID: 38605322 PMCID: PMC11010392 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01589-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marketing of unhealthy foods to children on digital media significantly impacts their dietary preferences and contributes to diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Canadian children spend a significant amount of time on digital devices and are frequently exposed to unhealthy food marketing on social media, including by influencers with celebrity status who endorse products. This study aimed to examine the frequency, healthfulness, and power of unhealthy food marketing in posts by influencers popular with Canadian children on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. METHODS The top 9 influencers popular amongst Canadian children aged 10-12 years were identified from the 2021 International Food Policy Study Youth Survey. A total of 2,232 Instagram, YouTube and TikTok posts made by these influencers between June 1st 2021 and May 31st 2022 were examined for instances of food marketing. Food products/brands were identified and frequencies were calculated for the number of posts promoting food products/brands, posts promoting products/brands classified as less healthy according to Health Canada's Nutrient Profile Model (2018) and marketing techniques utilized. RESULTS YouTube had the highest average rate of food marketing instances per post, at a rate of 1 food marketing instance every 0.7 posts, while TikTok and Instagram had instances every 10.2 posts and 19.3 posts, respectively. Overall, fast food restaurants was the most promoted food category (21%), followed by regular soft drinks (13%), snacks (11%), candy and chocolate (11%) and water (8%). The most frequently used marketing techniques were appeals to fun/cool (37%), the use of songs or music (28%) and the product being consumed (25%). In terms of healthfulness, 83% of the products/brands (87% of brands and 82% of products) promoted were classified as less healthy. CONCLUSIONS Social media influencers play a substantial role in promoting unhealthy food products to children, primarily fast food items. Given the significant impact of such marketing on children, there is a need for ongoing government-led monitoring, and it is crucial to include social media and influencer marketing in marketing restrictions targeting children in Canada to safeguard this vulnerable demographic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ashley Amson
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Soulene Sabir
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Grace Gillis
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lana Vanderlee
- School of Nutrition, Centre NUTRISS (Nutrition, Santé, Société), Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Christine White
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pauzé E, Pinto A, Potvin Kent M. How frequently is alcohol advertised on television in Canada?: A cross-sectional study. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agae020. [PMID: 38572726 PMCID: PMC10993171 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Alcohol marketing is a commercial driver of alcohol use, including among youth. This study sought to quantify and characterize alcohol advertising on broadcast television in Canada. METHODS Open-source television program logs for January to December 2018 submitted to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission by 147 stations with alcohol advertisements were analyzed. RESULTS Overall, 501 628 alcohol advertisements were broadcast. Four companies accounted for 83% of advertisements, namely, Anheuser-Busch in Bev (33.7%), Molson Coors (22.7%), Diageo (16.1%), and Arterra Wines Canada (10.8%). On conventional stations, advertising was highest on French-language stations [Median (Mdn) = 3224; interquartile range (IQR) = 2262] followed by those with programming in foreign/mixed languages (Mdn = 2679; IQR = 219) and English-language stations (Mdn = 1955; IQR = 1563). On speciality stations, advertising was most frequent on those primarily focused on sports programming (Mdn = 8036; IQR = 7393), movies and scripted shows (Mdn = 7463; IQR = 5937), and cooking (Mdn = 5498; IQR = 4032). On weekdays, 33% of alcohol ads aired from 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 9 p.m. and on weekends, 52% aired from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. when children or adolescents are more likely to be watching television. On youth-oriented stations (n = 4), 7937 alcohol advertisements were broadcast with most airing from 9 p.m. to midnight (44-45%) or 12-6 a.m. (50%) on both weekdays and weekends. CONCLUSIONS While few alcohol advertisements were broadcast on youth-oriented stations, young people in Canada are likely exposed to such advertising on programming intended for older or general audiences (e.g. sports). More research is needed to ascertain the extent to which broadcast television constitutes a source of alcohol advertising exposure among youth and to inform policies aimed at protecting them from the influence of such exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Pauzé
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Adena Pinto
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vaillancourt C, Ahmed M, Kirk S, Labonté MÈ, Laar A, Mah CL, Minaker L, Olstad DL, Potvin Kent M, Provencher V, Prowse R, Raine KD, Schram A, Zavala-Mora D, Rancourt-Bouchard M, Vanderlee L. Food environment research in Canada: a rapid review of methodologies and measures deployed between 2010 and 2021. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:18. [PMID: 38373957 PMCID: PMC10875887 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01558-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous research methodologies have been used to examine food environments. Existing reviews synthesizing food environment measures have examined a limited number of domains or settings and none have specifically targeted Canada. This rapid review aimed to 1) map research methodologies and measures that have been used to assess food environments; 2) examine what food environment dimensions and equity related-factors have been assessed; and 3) identify research gaps and priorities to guide future research. A systematic search of primary articles evaluating the Canadian food environment in a real-world setting was conducted. Publications in English or French published in peer-reviewed journals between January 1 2010 and June 17 2021 and indexed in Web of Science, CAB Abstracts and Ovid MEDLINE were considered. The search strategy adapted an internationally-adopted food environment monitoring framework covering 7 domains (Food Marketing; Labelling; Prices; Provision; Composition; Retail; and Trade and Investment). The final sample included 220 articles. Overall, Trade and Investment (1%, n = 2), Labelling (7%, n = 15) and, to a lesser extent, Prices (14%, n = 30) were the least studied domains in Canada. Among Provision articles, healthcare (2%, n = 1) settings were underrepresented compared to school (67%, n = 28) and recreation and sport (24%, n = 10) settings, as was the food service industry (14%, n = 6) compared to grocery stores (86%, n = 36) in the Composition domain. The study identified a vast selection of measures employed in Canada overall and within single domains. Equity-related factors were only examined in half of articles (n = 108), mostly related to Retail (n = 81). A number of gaps remain that prevent a holistic and systems-level analysis of food environments in Canada. As Canada continues to implement policies to improve the quality of food environments in order to improve dietary patterns, targeted research to address identified gaps and harmonize methods across studies will help evaluate policy impact over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Vaillancourt
- École de Nutrition, Centre de Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Université Laval, 2425 Rue de L'Agriculture, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mavra Ahmed
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sara Kirk
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, 6230 South Street, Kjipuktuk (Halifax), NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Labonté
- École de Nutrition, Centre de Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Université Laval, 2425 Rue de L'Agriculture, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Amos Laar
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 13, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Catherine L Mah
- School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Leia Minaker
- School of Planning, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3T1, Canada
| | - Dana Lee Olstad
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Véronique Provencher
- École de Nutrition, Centre de Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Université Laval, 2425 Rue de L'Agriculture, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Rachel Prowse
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Kim D Raine
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave Northwest, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Ashley Schram
- School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet), ANU College of Asia & the Pacific, The Australian National University, 8 Fellows Road, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2600, Australia
| | - Daniela Zavala-Mora
- Science Library, Université Laval, 1045 Avenue de La Médecine, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Maryka Rancourt-Bouchard
- École de Nutrition, Centre de Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Université Laval, 2425 Rue de L'Agriculture, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Lana Vanderlee
- École de Nutrition, Centre de Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Université Laval, 2425 Rue de L'Agriculture, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Amson A, Pauzé E, Ramsay T, Welch V, Hamid JS, Lee J, Olstad DL, Mah C, Raine K, Potvin Kent M. Examining gender differences in adolescent exposure to food and beverage marketing through go-along interviews. Appetite 2024; 193:107153. [PMID: 38072086 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
This study explores how adolescents engage with unhealthy food and beverage marketing in online settings, from a gender perspective. Employing an online ethnography approach and using go-along interviews, we explored the experiences of adolescent boys and girls aged 13-17 as they navigated their online experiences with digital food and beverage marketing. Notable themes emerged, including the identification of predatory actions by food companies, the role of protective factors such as family, and the influence of social media influencers in shaping adolescent dietary preferences. Importantly, this research unearthed gender disparities in the participants' responses. Girls, in particular, exhibited a heightened awareness of the protective role played by their families, emphasized the influence of color in marketing strategies, recognized the significance of gender in marketing, and reported exposure to alcohol advertisements-findings that boys less frequently echoed. The study underscores the importance of adolescence as a critical phase in development, during which food companies target these impressionable individuals, driven by their independence and potential for brand loyalty. Moreover, it highlights the potential avenue of gender-specific marketing, offering valuable insights into the gendered dimensions of adolescents' food marketing experiences. By examining the interplay between digital food marketing and gender, this research addresses a critical gap in the literature, shedding light on how gender influences adolescents' perceptions, responses, and behaviors in the context of food marketing strategies. These findings have the potential to inform adolescents of the marketing techniques that target them and guide policymakers in developing and implementing evidence-based regulations aimed at safeguarding adolescents from exposure to unhealthy food marketing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Amson
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - E Pauzé
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - T Ramsay
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - V Welch
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - J S Hamid
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - J Lee
- Cumming School of Medicine - Department of Community Health Sciences & Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - D L Olstad
- Cumming School of Medicine - Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - C Mah
- School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building 2nd Floor 2A01, Office 2A03, 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - K Raine
- Center for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 - 87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - M Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Soares Guimarães J, Pauzé E, Potvin Kent M, Barquera S, Jáuregui A, Sacks G, Vanderlee L, Hammond D. The relationship between parent's self-reported exposure to food marketing and child and parental purchasing and consumption outcomes in five countries: findings from the International Food Policy Study. J Nutr Sci 2023; 12:e123. [PMID: 38155804 PMCID: PMC10753451 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2023.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Food and beverage marketing influences children's food preferences and dietary intake. Children's diets are also heavily influenced by their family environment. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between parent's self-reported exposure to unhealthy food marketing and a range of outcomes related to children's desire for and intake of unhealthy foods and beverages. The study also sought to examine whether these outcomes varied across different countries. The analysed data are from the International Food Policy Study and were collected in 2018 using an online survey. The sample included 5764 parents of children under 18, living in Australia, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Binary logistic regressions assessed the link between the number of parental exposure locations and children's requests for and parental purchases of unhealthy foods. Generalized ordinal regression gauged the relationship between the number of exposure locations and children's consumption of such items. Interaction terms tested if these associations varied by country. Parental exposure to unhealthy food marketing was positively associated with parents reporting child purchase requests and purchase outcomes; and differed by country. Increased parental exposure to unhealthy food marketing was associated with slightly lower odds of children's weekly consumption of unhealthy foods, and this association varied by country. In conclusion, parental report of a greater range of food marketing exposure was associated with a range of outcomes that would increase children's exposure to unhealthy food products or their marketing. Governments should consider developing more comprehensive restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Simón Barquera
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, INSP, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Gary Sacks
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lana Vanderlee
- School of Nutrition, Université of Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bagnato M, Roy-Gagnon MH, Vanderlee L, White C, Hammond D, Potvin Kent M. The impact of fast food marketing on brand preferences and fast food intake of youth aged 10-17 across six countries. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1436. [PMID: 37501119 PMCID: PMC10373354 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16158-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consumption of fast food, which is associated with poor diet, weight gain and the development of noncommunicable diseases, is high amongst youth. Fast food marketing, a modifiable determinant of excess weight and obesity, affects youth's food-related behaviours. This study aimed to examine the relationship between exposure to fast food marketing and the fast food brand preferences and intake amongst youth aged 10-17 across six countries. METHODS Data from 9,695 youth respondents living in Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) were analyzed from the 2019 International Food Policy Study (IFPS) Youth Survey. Survey measures assessed exposure to fast food marketing and brand-specific marketing, and preference for these brands and fast food intake. Regression models adjusted for age, sex, income adequacy and ethnicity were used to examine the associations. RESULTS Exposure to fast food marketing was positively associated with brand preferences and intake consistently across most countries. Overall, preference for McDonald's (OR:1.97; 95% CI:1.52, 2.56), KFC (OR:1.61; 95% CI:1.24, 2.09) and Subway (OR:1.73; 95% CI:1.34, 2.24) were highest when exposed to general fast food marketing ≥ 2x/week compared to never. Preference for McDonald's (OR:2.32; 95% CI:1.92, 2.79), KFC (OR:2.28; 95% CI:1.95, 2.68) and Subway (OR:2.75; 95% CI:2.32, 3.27) were also higher when exposed to marketing for each brand compared to not. Fast food intake was highest in Chile (IRR:1.90; 95% CI:1.45, 2.48), the UK (IRR:1.40; 95% CI:1.20, 1.63), Canada (IRR:1.32; 95% CI:1.19, 1.48), Mexico (IRR:1.26; 95% CI:1.05, 1.53) and the US (IRR:1.21; 95% CI:1.05, 1.41) when exposed to general fast food marketing ≥ 2x/week compared to never and was higher across most countries when exposed to brand-specific marketing compared to not. Respondents classified as ethnic minorities were more likely to report consuming fast food than ethnic majorities, and females were less likely to report consuming fast food than males. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to fast food marketing is consistently and positively associated with brand preferences and fast food intake in all six countries. Our results highlight the need for strict government regulation to reduce exposure of unhealthy food marketing to youth in all six countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Lana Vanderlee
- École de Nutrition, Centre Nutrition, Santé Et Société (Centre NUTRISS), and Institut Sur La Nutrition Et Les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Christine White
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sing F, Mackay S, Cinà M, Swinburn B. The utilisation of legal instruments by United Nations actors to restrict the exposure of children to unhealthy food and beverage marketing: a qualitative content analysis of UN instruments. Global Health 2023; 19:45. [PMID: 37391743 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00939-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION United Nations (UN) agencies are influential global health actors that can introduce legal instruments to call on Member States to act on pressing issues. This paper examines the deployment and strength of global health law instruments used by UN actors to call on Member States to restrict the exposure of children to unhealthy food and beverage marketing. METHODS Global health law instruments were identified from a review of four UN agencies that have a mandate over children's exposure to marketing of unhealthy food and beverage products namely: the World Health Organization (WHO); the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Data on marketing restrictions were extracted and coded and descriptive qualitative content analysis was used to assess the strength of the instruments. RESULTS A wide range of instruments have been used by the four agencies: seven by the WHO; two by the FAO; three by the UNGA; and eight by the UN human rights infrastructure. The UN human rights instruments used strong, consistent language and called for government regulations to be enacted in a directive manner. In contrast, the language calling for action by the WHO, FAO and UNGA was weaker, inconsistent, did not get stronger over time and varied according to the type of instrument used. CONCLUSION This study suggests that a child rights-based approach to restricting unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children would be supported by strong human rights legal instruments and would allow for more directive recommendations to Member States than is currently provided by WHO, FAO and UNGA. Strengthening the directives in the instruments to clarify Member States' obligations using both WHO and child rights mandates would increase the utility of global health law and UN actors' influence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Sing
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Sally Mackay
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Margherita Cinà
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, US
| | - Boyd Swinburn
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ayoub C, Pritchard M, Bagnato M, Remedios L, Potvin Kent M. The extent of energy drink marketing on Canadian social media. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:767. [PMID: 37098495 PMCID: PMC10131399 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15437-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caffeinated energy drink (CED) consumption among children and adolescents is a growing global public health concern due to its potential to produce adverse effects. CED marketing viewed by children and adolescents contributes to this problem as it increases consumption and favourable attitudes towards these high-caffeine and high-sugar products. This study aimed to describe the social media marketing of CEDs by estimating the frequency of user-generated and company-generated CED marketing and analyzing the marketing techniques used by Canadian CED brands on social media. METHODS CED products and brands were identified using the list of CEDs that received a Temporary Marketing Authorization from Health Canada in June 2021. The data on the frequency, reach and engagement of CED-related posts created by users and Canadian CED brands on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, Tumblr, and YouTube were licensed from Brandwatch for 2020-2021. A content analysis was conducted to assess the marketing techniques used in Canadian CED company-generated posts using a coding manual. RESULTS A total of 72 Canadian CED products were identified. Overall, there were 222,119 user-level mentions of CED products in total and the mentions reached an estimated total of 351,707,901 users across platforms. The most popular product accounted for 64.8% of the total user-level mentions. Canadian social media company-owned accounts were found for 27 CED brands. Two CED brands posted the most frequently on Twitter and accounted for the greatest reach, together making up 73.9% of the total company-level posts and reaching 62.5% of the total users in 2020. On Instagram/Facebook, the most popular brand accounted for 23.5% of the company-level posts and 81.3% of the reach between July and September 2021. The most popular marketing techniques used by Canadian CED brands were the use of viral marketing strategies (82.3% of Twitter posts and 92.5% of Instagram/Facebook posts) and the presence of teen themes (73.2% of Twitter posts and 39.4% of Instagram/Facebook posts). CONCLUSION CED companies are extensively promoting their products across social media platforms using viral marketing strategies and themes that may appeal to adolescents. These findings may inform CED regulatory decision-making. Continued monitoring is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chanelle Ayoub
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres., Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres., Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres., Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres., Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres., Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Potvin Kent M, Soares Guimaraes J, Pritchard M, Remedios L, Pauzé E, L'Abbé M, Mulligan C, Vergeer L, Weippert M. Differences in child and adolescent exposure to unhealthy food and beverage advertising on television in a self-regulatory environment. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:555. [PMID: 36959572 PMCID: PMC10037770 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15027-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food and beverage promotion is a contributor to children's dietary behaviours, and ultimately, downstream health consequences. Broadcast television remains an important source of such advertising. The objective of this study was to examine and compare children and adolescent's exposure to food advertising on television in Canada over an entire year in a self-regulatory environment. METHODS Television advertising data for 57 selected food and beverage categories were licensed from Numerator for 36 stations in Toronto, for 2019. The estimated average number of advertisements viewed by children aged 2-11 and adolescents aged 12-17 was determined overall, by food category, and by marketing technique. The healthfulness of advertisements was also assessed using Health Canada's Nutrient Profile Model. RESULTS Overall in 2019, children viewed 2234.4 food ads/person/yr while adolescents viewed 1631.7 ads, exposure for both groups stemmed primarily from stations with general appeal, and both age groups were exposed to a range of powerful marketing techniques. Exposure to advertising for restaurants, snacks, breakfast food and candy and chocolate was high among both age groups and the healthfulness of most advertised products was considered poor. Adolescents were exposed to 36.4% more food products classified as unhealthy, had higher exposure to all marketing techniques examined, and were exposed to substantially more child-related marketing techniques compared to children. CONCLUSION Children and adolescents were heavily exposed to food advertisements on television in 2019. Despite current self-regulatory policies, children's exposure to unhealthy food and beverages remains high. Differences in exposure to food advertisements by food category and healthfulness may suggest that adolescents are being disproportionately targeted by food companies as a result of self-regulatory marketing restrictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| | - Julia Soares Guimaraes
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mary L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Madyson Weippert
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Potvin Kent M, Pauzé E, Remedios L, Wu D, Soares Guimaraes J, Pinto A, Bagnato M, Pritchard M, L’Abbé M, Mulligan C, Vergeer L, Weippert M. Advertising expenditures on child-targeted food and beverage products in two policy environments in Canada in 2016 and 2019. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279275. [PMID: 36630326 PMCID: PMC9833551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The food industry advertises unhealthy foods intended for children which in turn fosters poor diets. This study characterized advertising expenditures on child-targeted products in Canada and compared these expenditures between Quebec, where commercial advertising to children under 13 is restricted, and the rest of Canada, where food advertising to children is self-regulated. METHODS Advertising expenditures data for 2016 and 2019 for 57 select food categories and five media channels were licensed from Numerator. Products and brands targeted to children were identified based on their nature and the advertising techniques used to promote them. Advertising expenditures were classified as healthy/unhealthy using Health Canada's nutrient profile model. Expenditures per child capita aged 2-12 years were calculated and expenditures from 2016 were adjusted for inflation. Advertising expenditures were described by media, food category, year, and geographic region. RESULTS Overall, $57.2 million CAD was spent advertising child-targeted products in Canada in 2019. Television accounted for 77% of expenditures followed by digital media (18%), and the food categories with the highest expenditures were candy/chocolate (30%) and restaurants (16%). The totality of expenditures (99.9%-100%) in both Quebec and the rest of Canada in 2016 and 2019 were considered 'unhealthy'. Across all media channels (excluding digital), advertising expenditures were 9% lower in 2019 versus 2016. Advertising expenditures per capita were 32% lower in Quebec ($9.40/capita) compared to the rest of the country ($13.91/capita). CONCLUSION In Canada, millions are spent promoting child-targeted products considered inappropriate for advertising to children. While per capita advertising expenditures for these products are lower in Quebec compared to the rest of Canada, they remain high, suggesting that Quebec's commercial advertising restrictions directed to children are likely not sufficiently protecting them from unhealthy food advertising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David Wu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Soares Guimaraes
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Adena Pinto
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mary L’Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Madyson Weippert
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Potvin Kent M, Guimaraes JS, Bagnato M, Remedios L, Pauzé E, Pritchard M, Wu D, L'Abbé M, Mulligan C, Vergeer L, Weippert M. Broadcast Television Is Not Dead: Exposure of Children to Unhealthy Food and Beverage Advertising on Television in Two Policy Environments (Ontario and Quebec). An Observational Study. J Nutr 2023; 153:268-278. [PMID: 36913461 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food marketing can influence children's dietary behaviors. In Canada, Quebec banned commercial advertising to children under the age of 13 y in 1980, whereas advertising to children is self-regulated by industry in the rest of the country. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare the extent and power of food and beverage advertising on television to children (age: 2-11 y) in two different policy environments (Ontario and Quebec). METHODS Advertising data for 57 selected food and beverage categories were licensed from Numerator for Toronto and Montreal (English and French markets) from January to December 2019. The 10 most popular stations for children (age: 2-11 y) and a subset of child-appealing stations were examined. Exposure to food advertisements (ads) was based on gross rating points. A content analysis of food ads was conducted, and the healthfulness of ads was assessed using Health Canada's proposed nutrient profile model. Descriptive statistics were tabulated for the frequency of and exposure to ads. RESULTS On average, children were exposed to 3.7 to 4.4 food and beverage ads per day, exposure to fast-food advertising was highest (670.7-550.6 ads per year), advertising techniques were used frequently, and the majority (>90%) of advertised products were classified as unhealthy. On the top 10 stations, French children in Montreal were most exposed to unhealthy food and beverage advertising (712.3 ads per year), although they were exposed to fewer child-appealing advertising techniques compared with those in other markets. On the child-appealing stations, French children in Montreal were least exposed to food and beverage advertising (43.6 ads per year per station) and child-appealing advertising techniques compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS The Consumer Protection Act appears to positively impact exposure to child-appealing stations; yet, it does not sufficiently protect all children in Quebec and requires strengthening. Federal-level regulations restricting unhealthy advertising are needed to protect children across Canada.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Julia Soares Guimaraes
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Wu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madyson Weippert
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Huse O, Reeve E, Bell C, Sacks G, Baker P, Wood B, Backholer K. Strategies used by the soft drink industry to grow and sustain sales: a case-study of The Coca-Cola Company in East Asia. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-010386. [PMID: 36593644 PMCID: PMC9730366 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The market and non-market activities of the food and beverage industry contribute to unhealthy and unsustainable dietary patterns, increasingly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to describe how The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC), as the world market leader in the sugar-sweetened beverage sector, operationalises their activities in LMICs in East Asia, among the world's most highly populated yet under-researched countries, to illustrate the ways in which these activities may negatively influence health outcomes. METHODS We adopted a theoretically-guided qualitative research design and documentary analysis method. Data sources included: industry documents and web pages, marketing case studies obtained from the World Advertising Research Centre, media reports, global trade summaries and websites of industry associations. To guide data analysis, we synthesised a conceptual framework from existing commercial determinants of health literature, to describe ways in which the market and non-market activities of TCCC influence health. RESULTS TCCC leverages subsidiary companies and investments in international networks to expand its supply chains. The company engages in frequent political activities to minimise the implementation of nutrition policies that may impact profits. The company markets products, particularly on digital and mobile devices, often targeting children, adolescents and mothers, and undertakes public relations activities related to human rights, environmental sustainability and community and economic supports, and these public relations activities are often integrated into marketing campaigns. The identified activities of TCCC are frequently in direct contrast to efforts to improve the healthfulness of population diets in East Asia LMICs. CONCLUSIONS A public health analysis of the market and non-market activities of corporations active in unhealthy commodity industries needs to be broad in scope to cover the diverse set of strategies used to increase their market power and influence. Governments should consider a suite of policy options to attenuate these commercial determinants of unhealthy diets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Huse
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erica Reeve
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin Bell
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phillip Baker
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Wood
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation. Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Potvin Kent M, Pauzé E, Bagnato M, Guimarães JS, Pinto A, Remedios L, Pritchard M, L’Abbé MR, Mulligan C, Vergeer L, Weippert M. Food and beverage advertising expenditures in Canada in 2016 and 2019 across media. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1458. [PMID: 35915428 PMCID: PMC9340686 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13823-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Food and beverage advertising has been identified as a powerful determinant of dietary intake and weight. Available evidence suggests that the preponderance of food and beverage advertising expenditures are devoted to the promotion of unhealthy products. The purpose of this study is to estimate food advertising expenditures in Canada in 2019 overall, by media and by food category, determine how much was spent on promoting healthier versus less healthy products and assess whether changes in these expenditures occurred between 2016 and 2019.
Methods
Estimates of net advertising expenditures for 57 selected food categories promoted on television, radio, out-of-home media, print media and popular websites, were licensed from Numerator. The nutrient content of promoted products or brands were collected, and related expenditures were then categorized as “healthy” or “unhealthy” according to a Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) proposed by Health Canada. Expenditures were described using frequencies and relative frequencies and percent changes in expenditures between 2016 and 2019 were computed.
Results
An estimated $628.6 million was spent on examined food and beverage advertising in Canada in 2019, with television accounting for 67.7%, followed by digital media (11.8%). In 2019, most spending (55.7%) was devoted to restaurants, followed by dairy and alternatives (11%), and $492.9 million (87.2% of classified spending) was spent advertising products and brands classified as “unhealthy”. Fruit and vegetables and water accounted for only 2.1 and 0.8% of expenditures, respectively, in 2019. In 2019 compared to 2016, advertising expenditures decreased by 14.1% across all media (excluding digital media), with the largest decreases noted for print media (− 63.0%) and television (− 14.6%). Overall, expenditures increased the most in relative terms for fruit and vegetables (+ 19.5%) and miscellaneous products (+ 5%), while decreasing the most for water (− 55.6%) and beverages (− 47.5%).
Conclusions
Despite a slight drop in national food and beverage advertising spending between 2016 and 2019, examined expenditures remain high, and most products or brands being advertised are unhealthy. Expenditures across all media should continue to be monitored to assess Canada’s nutrition environment and track changes in food advertising over time.
Collapse
|
15
|
Sing F, Reeve B, Backholer K, Mackay S, Swinburn B. Designing legislative responses to restrict children’s exposure to unhealthy food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing: a case study analysis of Chile, Canada and the United Kingdom. Global Health 2022; 18:72. [PMID: 35870937 PMCID: PMC9308290 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00865-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Introducing legislation that restricts companies from exposing children to marketing of unhealthy food and beverage products is both politically and technically difficult. To advance the literature on the technical design of food marketing legislation, and to support governments around the world with legislative development, we aimed to describe the legislative approach from three governments.
Methods
A multiple case study methodology was adopted to describe how three governments approached designing comprehensive food marketing legislation (Chile, Canada and the United Kingdom). A conceptual framework outlining best practice design principles guided our methodological approach to examine how each country designed the technical aspects of their regulatory response, including the regulatory form adopted, the substantive content of the laws, and the implementation and governance mechanisms used. Data from documentary evidence and 15 semi-structured key informant interviews were collected and synthesised using a directed content analysis.
Results
All three countries varied in their legislative design and were therefore considered of variable strength regarding the legislative elements used to protect children from unhealthy food marketing. When compared against the conceptual framework, some elements of best practice design were present, particularly relating to the governance of legislative design and implementation, but the scope of each law (or proposed laws) had limitations. These included: the exclusion of brand marketing; not protecting children up to age 18; focusing solely on child-directed marketing instead of all marketing that children are likely to be exposed to; and not allocating sufficient resources to effectively monitor and enforce the laws. The United Kingdom’s approach to legislation is the most comprehensive and more likely to meet its regulatory objectives.
Conclusions
Our synthesis and analysis of the technical elements of food marketing laws can support governments around the world as they develop their own food marketing restrictions. An analysis of the three approaches illustrates an evolution in the design of food marketing laws over time, as well as the design strengths offered by a legislative approach. Opportunities remain for strengthening legislative responses to protect children from unhealthy food marketing practices.
Collapse
|
16
|
Boyland E, McGale L, Maden M, Hounsome J, Boland A, Jones A. Systematic review of the effect of policies to restrict the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to which children are exposed. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13447. [PMID: 35384238 PMCID: PMC9541016 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review examined the effectiveness of policies restricting the marketing of foods and/or non-alcoholic beverages to children to inform updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Databases were searched to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were primary studies of any design assessing implemented policies to restrict food marketing to children (0-19 years). Critical outcomes were exposure to and power of marketing, dietary intake, choice, preference, and purchasing. Important outcomes were purchase requests, dental caries, body weight, diet-related noncommunicable diseases, product change, and unintended consequences. Forty-four observational studies met inclusion criteria; most were moderate quality. Pooling was conducted using vote counting by direction of effect, and GRADE was used to judge evidence certainty. Evidence suggests food marketing policies may result in reduced purchases of unhealthy foods and in unintended consequences favorable for public health. Desirable or potentially desirable (for public health) effects of policies on food marketing exposure and power were also found. Evidence on diet and product change was very limited. The certainty of evidence was very low for four outcomes (exposure, power, dietary intake, and product change) and low for two (purchasing and unintended consequences). Policies can effectively limit food marketing to children; policymakers should prioritize mandatory approaches aligned with WHO recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lauren McGale
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | - Michelle Maden
- Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Juliet Hounsome
- Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Angela Boland
- Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Potvin Kent M, Hatoum F, Wu D, Remedios L, Bagnato M. Benchmarking unhealthy food marketing to children and adolescents in Canada: a scoping review. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can 2022; 42:307-318. [PMID: 35993602 PMCID: PMC9514213 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.42.8.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unhealthy food and beverage marketing in various media and settings contributes to children's poor dietary intake. In 2019, the Canadian federal government recommended the introduction of new restrictions on food marketing to children. This scoping review aimed to provide an up-to-date assessment of the frequency of food marketing to children and youth in Canada as well as children's exposure to this marketing in various media and settings in order to determine where gaps exist in the research. METHODS For this scoping review, detailed search strategies were used to identify relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature published between October 2016 and November 2021. Two reviewers screened all results. RESULTS A total of 32 relevant and unique articles were identified; 28 were peer reviewed and 4 were from the grey literature. The majority of the studies (n = 26) examined the frequency of food marketing while 6 examined actual exposure to food marketing. Most research focussed on children from Ontario and Quebec and television and digital media. There was little research exploring food marketing to children by age, geographical location, sex/gender, race/ethnicity and/or socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION Our synthesis suggests that unhealthy food marketing to children and adolescents is extensive and that current self-regulatory policies are insufficient at reducing the presence of such marketing. Research assessing the frequency of food marketing and preschooler, child and adolescent exposure to this marketing is needed across a variety of media and settings to inform future government policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Farah Hatoum
- School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Wu
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kholina K, Grant A, Waddington M, Egbe M, Grant S, Terashima M, Williams PL. In-store food environment for adults and children in Nova Scotia, Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2021; 112:430-439. [PMID: 33237485 PMCID: PMC8076380 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-020-00431-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper examines the retail food environment in grocery and convenience stores across Nova Scotia with specific attention to prominence and promotion of foods and beverages, as well as in-store promotion of foods and beverages to children. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional analysis of data on the availability, price, prominence, and promotion of foods and beverages classified as "healthier" and "less healthy" was undertaken as a part of a Nova Scotia Consumer Food Environment (NS-CFE) project. Data were collected in a random stratified sample of 47 grocery stores and 59 convenience stores by trained research assistants working in pairs using adapted Nutrition Environment Measures Survey Toronto grocery store (NEMS-S) and NEMS Corner Store (NEMS-CS) tools. RESULTS "Less healthy" snack foods and sugar-sweetened beverages were more prominently displayed than "healthier" options with an exception of cereal, at both grocery and convenience stores (all p < 0.001). Coke™ and fruit juice were more expensive than water in both grocery and convenience stores (both p ≤ 0.05). Significantly more child-specific strategies were used to promote "less healthy" compared with "healthier" options in both grocery and convenience stores (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Results of this study demonstrate that "less healthy" options are significantly more prominently displayed and more heavily marketed to all Nova Scotians, including children, in the retail food environment compared with items classified as "healthier". These findings indicate that there is a need for comprehensive structural changes to the retail food environment in Nova Scotia, to support population health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Kholina
- Food Action Research Centre (FoodARC) and Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Amy Grant
- Maritime SPOR Support Unit and Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Manfred Egbe
- Food Action Research Centre (FoodARC) and Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Shannan Grant
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre and Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Mikiko Terashima
- School of Planning, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Patricia L Williams
- Food Action Research Centre (FoodARC) and Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Implications of international trade and investment agreements on policy space for restricting marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children: lessons from inter-disciplinary expert interviews. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:4750-4764. [PMID: 33972007 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021001993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the implications of international trade and investment agreements (TIA) for national governments' policy space to restrict the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children. DESIGN In-depth interviews based on a series of policy scenario 'vignettes,' guided by an adapted scenario analysis methodology. SETTING Global. PARTICIPANTS Nine key informants from relevant sectors, with expertise regarding the intersection of public health nutrition policy, international trade law and international investment law. RESULTS Participants consistently identified the relevance of several principles, common to many TIA: non-discrimination, necessity and justification, market access requirements and quantitative restrictions, intellectual property rights and trademark protections and fair and equitable treatment of investors. Two main policy design factors that interact heavily with TIA-related policy space were the framing of objectives and regulatory distinctions drawn. Contextual factors may shape the analysis of TIA-related policy space on a case-by-case basis, while the relative power of the actors and institutions involved in both domestic and international policy spheres may influence whether and how such legal constraints to policy space are activated. CONCLUSIONS Regulatory marketing restrictions run the risk of incurring challenges under World Trade Organization agreements and other free TIA. However, concerned policymakers should be aware of the difference between theoretical risk, threat of a challenge and realistic initiation and/or loss of a formal dispute. Our findings indicate that there is policy space to adopt significant marketing restrictions, though an understanding of these legal risks and strategic policy design are important.
Collapse
|
20
|
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Coates
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pinto A, Pauzé E, Roy-Gagnon MH, Dubois L, Potvin Kent M. The targeting of preschoolers, children, adolescents and adults by the Canadian food and beverage industry on television: a cross-sectional study. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2020; 46:651-660. [PMID: 33320731 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2020-0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Unhealthy food advertising can negatively impact children's food preferences and nutritional health. In Canada, only companies participating in the self-regulatory Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CAI) commit to limiting unhealthy food advertising to children. We analyzed food advertising from 182 Canadian television stations in 2018. A principal component analysis explored patterns of advertising by 497 food companies and their targeting of preschoolers, children, adolescents, and adults. Chi-square analyses tested differences in the volume of advertising between target age groups by heavily advertising food companies and by CAI-participating and non-participating companies. In 2018, Maple Leaf Foods, Boulangerie St-Méthode, Exceldor Foods, Goodfood Market and Sobeys advertised most frequently during preschooler-programming. General Mills, Kellogg's, the Topps Company, Parmalat and Post Foods advertised most frequently during child-programming, while Burger King, McDonald's, General Mills, Kellogg's and Wendy's advertised most frequently during adolescent-programming. CAI-participating companies were responsible for over half of the food advertising broadcast during programs targeted to children (55%), while they accounted for less than half of the food advertising aired during programs targeting preschoolers (24%), adolescents (41%) and adults (42%). Statutory food advertising restrictions are needed to limit food companies' targeting of young people on television in Canada. Novelty: Advertising from fast food restaurant chains dominated television programming targeted to adolescents in 2018. Advertising from breakfast cereal, candy, and snack manufacturers dominated television programming targeted at children in 2018. Over 100 Canadian and transnational companies contravened broadcast restrictions on advertising to preschoolers in 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Pinto
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - E Pauzé
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - M-H Roy-Gagnon
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - L Dubois
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - M Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ponce-Blandón JA, Deitos-Vasquez ME, Romero-Castillo R, da Rosa-Viana D, Robles-Romero JM, Mendes-Lipinski J. Sedentary Behaviors of a School Population in Brazil and Related Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6966. [PMID: 32977634 PMCID: PMC7579517 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17196966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background. Overweight and obesity arise from a complex range of genetic, environmental, behavioral, educational, and socioeconomic factors. The present study explored the sedentary practices and some life habits related to health among children from the school population of Uruguaiana (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to characterize the life habits of the school boys and girls from fourth grade (9-10 years old). Results: A total of 470 fourth-grade boys and girls (9-10 years old) participated in the study. As regards the variables linked to habits, 24% of the boys and girls answered they had not had breakfast the day they completed the questionnaire and 51.8% stated they did not have breakfast any given day of the week. Regarding sedentary habits, 25.3% of children watched TV or played video games five or more hours a day and 9% rarely played sports with their parents or caregivers. Statistical significance was recorded between "number of hours watching TV and playing video games" and "playing sports with parents or caregivers" (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Association between the times spent watching TV or playing video games and the practice of physical exercise in the family proves once again the importance of the family in education for the health of children. The school provides direct access to schoolchildren and their parents to launch numerous health education programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Ponce-Blandón
- Centro Universitario de Enfermería de Cruz Roja, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain; (J.A.P.-B.); (J.M.R.-R.)
| | - María Eduarda Deitos-Vasquez
- Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana 1650, Bagé, Brazil; (M.E.D.-V.); (J.M.-L.)
| | - Rocío Romero-Castillo
- Centro Universitario de Enfermería de Cruz Roja, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain; (J.A.P.-B.); (J.M.R.-R.)
| | - Diogo da Rosa-Viana
- Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-000, Brazil;
| | - José Miguel Robles-Romero
- Centro Universitario de Enfermería de Cruz Roja, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain; (J.A.P.-B.); (J.M.R.-R.)
| | - Jussara Mendes-Lipinski
- Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana 1650, Bagé, Brazil; (M.E.D.-V.); (J.M.-L.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Inventory of marketing techniques used in child-appealing food and beverage research: a rapid review. Int J Public Health 2020; 65:1045-1055. [PMID: 32840633 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-020-01444-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Restrictions on child-appealing food and beverage marketing have been prioritized globally. However, the concept of "child-appealing marketing" has not been consistently defined, leading to variability in policies and research. The objective of this review was therefore to generate an inventory of the marketing techniques that have been used in research to identify child-appealing marketing. METHODS Based on WHO guidelines, this review identified primary research that analyzed child-appealing marketing techniques, using the OVID Medline database and hand searches in Google Scholar and PubMed. All marketing techniques were extracted, counted, and synthesized into an inventory, organized thematically and by popularity. RESULTS From 133 publications, 1421 marketing techniques were extracted (mean 10.7/publication; range: 1-66). The final inventory included 117 techniques; the "use of characters, children, and actors" was the most popular theme. CONCLUSIONS The inventory and categorization generated by this research can be used for informing future research and for alerting policy-makers globally to the breadth of child-appealing food and beverage marketing techniques, helping move toward a consistent and comprehensive definition of child-appealing marketing in regulations aimed at restricting this type of marketing.
Collapse
|
24
|
Ide N, Ajenikoko A, Steele L, Cohn J, J. Curtis C, Frieden TR, Cobb LK. Priority Actions to Advance Population Sodium Reduction. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092543. [PMID: 32842580 PMCID: PMC7551205 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High sodium intake is estimated to cause approximately 3 million deaths per year worldwide. The estimated average sodium intake of 3.95 g/day far exceeds the recommended intake. Population sodium reduction should be a global priority, while simultaneously ensuring universal salt iodization. This article identifies high priority strategies that address major sources of sodium: added to packaged food, added to food consumed outside the home, and added in the home. To be included, strategies needed to be scalable and sustainable, have large benefit, and applicable to one of four measures of effectiveness: (1) Rigorously evaluated with demonstrated success in reducing sodium; (2) suggestive evidence from lower quality evaluations or modeling; (3) rigorous evaluations of similar interventions not specifically for sodium reduction; or (4) an innovative approach for sources of sodium that are not sufficiently addressed by an existing strategy. We identified seven priority interventions. Four target packaged food: front-of-pack labeling, packaged food reformulation targets, regulating food marketing to children, and taxes on high sodium foods. One targets food consumed outside the home: food procurement policies for public institutions. Two target sodium added at home: mass media campaigns and population uptake of low-sodium salt. In conclusion, governments have many tools to save lives by reducing population sodium intake.
Collapse
|
25
|
Potvin Kent M, Pauzé E, Guo K, Kent A, Jean-Louis R. The physical activity and nutrition-related corporate social responsibility initiatives of food and beverage companies in Canada and implications for public health. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:890. [PMID: 32517669 PMCID: PMC7281932 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09030-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As diet-related diseases have increased over the past decades, large food companies have come under scrutiny for contributing to this public health crisis. In response, the food industry has implemented Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives related to nutrition and physical activity to emphasize their concern for consumers. This study sought to describe the nature and targeted demographic of physical activity and nutrition-related CSR initiatives of large food companies in Canada and to compare companies who participate in the Canadian Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CAI), a self-regulatory initiative aimed at reducing unhealthy food advertising to children, with non-participating companies. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016. Thirty-nine large food companies, including 18 participating in the CAI, were included in the study. The webpages, Facebook pages and corporate reports of these companies were surveyed to identify CSR initiatives related to nutrition and physical activity. Initiatives were then classified by type (as either philanthropic, education-oriented, research-oriented or other) and by targeted demographic (i.e. targeted at children under 18 years or the general population). Differences between CAI and non-CAI companies were tested using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results Overall, 63 CSR initiatives were identified; 39 were nutrition-related while 24 were physical activity-related. Most (70%) initiatives were considered philanthropic activities, followed by education-oriented (20%), research-oriented (8%) and other (2%). Almost half (47%; n = 29) of initiatives targeted children. Examples of child-targeted initiatives included support of school milk programs (n = 2), the sponsorship of children’s sports programs (n = 2) and the development of educational resources for teachers (n = 1). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of CSR initiatives per company (CAI: Mdn = 1, IQR = 3; non-CAI: Mdn = 0, IQR = 2; p = .183) or the proportion of child-targeted initiatives (CAI: 42%; non-CAI: 54%; p = .343) between CAI and non-CAI companies. Conclusion Food companies, including many that largely sell and market unhealthy products, are heavily involved in physical activity and nutrition-related initiatives in Canada, many of which are targeted to children. Government policies aimed at protecting children from unhealthy food marketing should consider including CSR initiatives that expose children to food company branding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, room 301J, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G5Z3, Canada.
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, room 301J, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G5Z3, Canada
| | - Kevin Guo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Arianne Kent
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, McGill University, 855 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2T7, Canada
| | - Royce Jean-Louis
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 7K4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Aglipay M, Vanderloo LM, Tombeau Cost K, Maguire JL, Birken CS. The Digital Media Environment and Cardiovascular Risk in Children. Can J Cardiol 2020; 36:1440-1447. [PMID: 32353533 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Children today are exposed to multiple forms of digital media including traditional (eg, televisions, computers) and newer mobile devices (eg, smartphones, tablets, etc). As the digital media environment evolves, it is important that health care providers and policymakers adapt to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to ameliorate its effects on health. In this article we provide an overview of the literature on the relationship between the digital media environment and cardiovascular risk factors in childhood. Existing evidence on the relationship between digital media environment and cardiovascular risk in infants, children, and youth are reported. Potential mechanisms underpinning the relationship between the digital media environment and cardiovascular disease risk in children such as the displacement of movement behaviours, food and beverage marketing to children, and eating while viewing were explored. National and international guidelines aimed at addressing the digital media environment are highlighted, and suggestions for future research and guideline development are provided. Action-oriented professional recommendations for health care providers, families, and children are urgently needed. As the prevalence of screen use in childhood continues to exceed those of past generations, concern about the effects and strategies to reduce harm including cardiovascular outcomes must remain a top public health priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Aglipay
- Department of Pediatrics, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leigh M Vanderloo
- The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine Tombeau Cost
- The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Neurosciences and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan L Maguire
- Department of Pediatrics, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine S Birken
- The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sing F, Mackay S, Culpin A, Hughes S, Swinburn B. Food Advertising to Children in New Zealand: A Critical Review of the Performance of a Self-Regulatory Complaints System Using a Public Health Law Framework. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051278. [PMID: 32365952 PMCID: PMC7281994 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
New Zealand has the second highest overweight and obese child population in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This paper evaluates whether New Zealand’s self-regulatory controls on the advertising of unhealthy food and beverages to children and young people adequately protects children from the exposure to, and power of, such marketing in order to limit its impact on children’s food and beverage preferences. First, an analysis of the relevant New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Codes was conducted, including the ASA Complaints Board and Appeals Board decisions from 2017–2019 to determine the application of the Codes in practice. Second, a public health law framework was applied to the self-regulatory system. Of the 16 complaints assessed, 12 were not upheld, and only one was upheld under the Children and Young People’s Advertising Code (CYPA Code). Three complaints were upheld under the Advertising Standards Code (ASC) but not the CYPA Code. An analysis of the Codes and their interpretation by the Complaints Board found that many facets of the public health law framework were not met. The self-regulatory system does not adequately protect children from the exposure to, and power of, unhealthy food and beverage marketing, and government-led, comprehensive, and enforceable marketing restrictions are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Sing
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (S.M.); (B.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sally Mackay
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (S.M.); (B.S.)
| | - Angela Culpin
- Auckland Regional Public Health Service, Auckland 1051, New Zealand; (A.C.); (S.H.)
| | - Sally Hughes
- Auckland Regional Public Health Service, Auckland 1051, New Zealand; (A.C.); (S.H.)
| | - Boyd Swinburn
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (S.M.); (B.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wong S, Pauzé E, Hatoum F, Potvin Kent M. The Frequency and Healthfulness of Food and Beverage Advertising in Movie Theatres: A Pilot Study Conducted in the United States and Canada. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1253. [PMID: 32354061 PMCID: PMC7282003 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages contributes to childhood obesity. In Canada and the United States, these promotions are self-regulated by industry. However, these regulations do not apply to movie theatres, which are frequently visited by children. This pilot study examined the frequency and healthfulness of food advertising in movie theatres in the United States and Canada. A convenience sample of seven movie theatres in both Virginia (US) and Ontario (Canada) were visited once per month for a four-month period. Each month, ads in the movie theatre environment and before the screening of children's movies were assessed. Food ads were categorized as permissible or not permissible for marketing to children using the World Health Organization's European Nutrient Profile Model. There were 1999 food ads in the movie theatre environment in Ontario and 43 food ads identified in the movie theatre environment in Virginia. On average, 8.6 (SD = 3.3) and 2.2 (SD = 0.9) food ads were displayed before children's movies in Ontario and Virginia, respectively. Most or all (97%-100%) food ads identified in Virginia and Ontario were considered not permissible for marketing to children. The results suggest that movie theatre environments should be considered for inclusion in statutory food marketing restrictions in order to protect children's health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Wong
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ON K1G5Z3, Canada;
| | - Farah Hatoum
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, Washington, DC 20052, USA;
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Room 301J, Ottawa, ON K1G5Z3, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mulligan C, Christoforou AK, Vergeer L, Bernstein JT, L’Abbé MR. Evaluating the Canadian Packaged Food Supply Using Health Canada's Proposed Nutrient Criteria for Restricting Food and Beverage Marketing to Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041250. [PMID: 32075224 PMCID: PMC7068661 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Federally mandated restrictions on food and beverage marketing to kids (M2K) have been re-introduced as a national public health priority in Canada by the newly elected government, following the failure to implement a similar policy first proposed in 2016. This study examined the extent to which Canadian packaged foods, including products already displaying M2K on the packaging, would be permitted to be marketed, based on the nutrient criteria for marketing restrictions defined by Health Canada (in December 2018) as part of the previous policy proposal. Products from the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2013 database (n = 15,200) were evaluated using Health Canada’s published criteria: thresholds for sodium, sugars and saturated fats that products cannot exceed in order to be M2K. The proportion of products exceeding no thresholds (i.e., permitted to be M2K), the number of thresholds exceeded, and the proportion exceeding each individual threshold were calculated overall and in the subsample of products displaying M2K on the packaging (n = 747). Overall, 18.0% of products would be permitted to be M2K, versus 2.7% of products displaying M2K. Sodium was the most exceeded threshold overall (57.5% of products), whereas sugars was the most exceeded by products displaying M2K (80.1%). Only 4.7% of all products versus 10.4% of products displaying M2K exceeded all three thresholds. These results highlight the importance of reintroducing federal regulations restricting M2K in Canada and including marketing on product packaging in the regulatory scope.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (C.M.); (A.K.C.); (L.V.); (J.T.B.)
| | - Anthea K. Christoforou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (C.M.); (A.K.C.); (L.V.); (J.T.B.)
| | - Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (C.M.); (A.K.C.); (L.V.); (J.T.B.)
| | - Jodi T. Bernstein
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (C.M.); (A.K.C.); (L.V.); (J.T.B.)
| | - Mary R. L’Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (C.M.); (A.K.C.); (L.V.); (J.T.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-946-7545
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vandenbrink D, Pauzé E, Potvin Kent M. Strategies used by the Canadian food and beverage industry to influence food and nutrition policies. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2020; 17:3. [PMID: 31992304 PMCID: PMC6988317 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-019-0900-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unhealthy food environments contribute to the rising rates of obesity and diet-related diseases. To improve the Canadian nutritional landscape, Health Canada launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016 which involved several initiatives including the restriction of unhealthy food marketing to children, the reduction of sodium in the food supply and the introduction of front-of-package labelling. Subsequently, various stakeholders engaged in discussions with Health Canada. This study sought to describe the interactions between Health Canada and industry and non-industry stakeholders and to identify the strategies used by industry to influence food and nutrition policy in Canada. METHODS Documents such as correspondences and presentations exchanged in interactions between Health Canada and stakeholders regarding the Healthy Eating Strategy were obtained from Health Canada's Openness and Transparency website. The participating stakeholders of each interaction and the topics discussed were determined and described quantitatively. A directed content analysis was then conducted to identify the strategies employed by industry to influence policy. This was guided by a previously developed coding framework that was adapted during analysis. RESULTS A total of 208 interactions concerning the Healthy Eating Strategy occurred between October 2016 and June 2018. Of the interactions for which documents were received (n = 202), 56% involved industry stakeholders, 42% involved non-industry stakeholders and 2% involved both. Industry stakeholders were more likely to initiate interactions with Health Canada (94% of their interactions) than non-industry stakeholders (49%). Front-of-package labelling was the most frequently discussed topic by industry stakeholders (discussed in 49% interactions involving industry) while non-industry stakeholders most frequently discussed the Healthy Eating Strategy as a whole (discussed in 37% of interactions involving non-industry). A wide variety of strategies were used by industry in their attempts to influence policy. Those most frequently identified included: "framing the debate on diet- and public health-related issues", "promoting deregulation", "shaping the evidence base", "stressing the economic importance of industry", and "developing and promoting alternatives to proposed policies". CONCLUSION Industry stakeholders are highly active in their attempts to influence Canadian nutritional policies. Policymakers and public health advocates should be aware of these strategies so that balanced and effective food and nutrition policies can be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Vandenbrink
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - E Pauzé
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Room 207F, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - M Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Room 301J, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Smith R, Kelly B, Yeatman H, Moore C, Baur L, King L, Boyland E, Chapman K, Hughes C, Bauman A. Advertising Placement in Digital Game Design Influences Children's Choices of Advertised Snacks: A Randomized Trial. J Acad Nutr Diet 2019; 120:404-413. [PMID: 31892500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children are inhabitants of a media-rich environment rife in extensive, sophisticated, and persistent techniques that are used to market unhealthy food. Exposure is known to influence children's attitudes, choices, and consumption, yet further research is required to explore the influence of contemporary techniques within online games. OBJECTIVE To explore the influence of modern advertising on children's attitudes, choices, and consumption, techniques (ie, banner advertising, advergame, and rewarded video advertising) were used to promote an unfamiliar confectionery brand within an online game. DESIGN A between-subjects randomized experimental study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Children (aged 7 to 12 years [n=156]) were recruited in New South Wales, Australia, between September and November 2017. INTERVENTION Children were required to play a 4-minute online game, complete some questionnaires, and choose one snack to consume afterward. Children were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: a control group with no advertising, and three experimental conditions that promoted an unfamiliar confectionery brand via a banner advertisement, advergame, or rewarded video advertisement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Questionnaires included the assessment of attitudes to the test brand before and after the game, enjoyment of the game, and children's awareness of advertising. Food choice was recorded and food consumption was measured by weighing the snack in grams, which was translated into kilocalories. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Statistical tests included analyses of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and χ2 test. RESULTS Attitudes toward the perception of fun (P=0.06) and taste (P=0.21) of the test brand were not influenced by condition. Children who were exposed to the rewarded video advertising chose the test brand significantly more than children in the other three conditions (P<0.002). Condition did not influence overall energy intake measured in grams (P=0.78) or kilocalories (P=0.46). CONCLUSIONS Children's choice of the test brand was significantly influenced by the rewarded video advertising condition (compared with control, banner advertising, and advergame conditions). This technique is prevalent across online and application games that children play yet the effects of using rewarded video advertising to promote food brands have not been explored from a public health perspective. This study contributes to the understanding of modern strategies used to market unhealthy foods to children.
Collapse
|
32
|
Coates AE, Hardman CA, Halford JCG, Christiansen P, Boyland EJ. Food and Beverage Cues Featured in YouTube Videos of Social Media Influencers Popular With Children: An Exploratory Study. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2142. [PMID: 31616344 PMCID: PMC6763597 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Food and beverage cues (visual displays of food or beverage products/brands) featured in traditional broadcast and digital marketing are predominantly for products high in fat, sugar and/or salt (HFSS). YouTube is hugely popular with children, and cues featured in content uploaded by YouTube video bloggers (influencers) has been shown to affect children’s eating behavior. However, little is known about the prevalence of such cues, the contexts in which they appear, and the frequency with which they are featured as part of explicit marketing campaigns. The objective of this study was to explore the extent and nature of food and beverage cues featured in YouTube videos of influencers popular with children. All videos uploaded by two influencers (one female, one male) over a year (2017) were analyzed. Based on previous content analyses of broadcast marketing, cues were categorized by product type and classified as “healthy” or “less healthy” according to the UK Nutrient Profiling Model. Cues were also coded for branding status, and other factors related to their display (e.g., description). In total, the sample comprised 380 YouTube videos (119.5 h) and, of these, only 27 videos (7.4%) did not feature any food or beverage cues. Cakes (9.4%) and fast foods (8.9%) were the most frequently featured product types, less frequent were healthier products such as fruits (6.5%) and vegetables (5.8%). Overall, cues were more frequently classified as less healthy (49.4%) than healthy (34.5%) and were presented in different contexts according to nutritional profile. Less healthy foods (compared with healthy foods) were more often; branded, presented in the context of eating out, described positively, not consumed, and featured as part of an explicit marketing campaign. These data provide the first empirical assessment of the extent and nature of food and beverage cue presentation in YouTube videos by influencers popular with children. Given the emerging evidence of the effects of influencer marketing of food and beverages on children’s eating behavior, this exploratory study offers a novel methodological platform for digital food marketing assessment and delivers important contextual information that could inform policy deliberations in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Coates
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A Hardman
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jason C G Halford
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Christiansen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Emma J Boyland
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Potvin Kent M, Pauzé E, Roy E, de Billy N, Czoli C. Children and adolescents' exposure to food and beverage marketing in social media apps. Pediatr Obes 2019; 14:e12508. [PMID: 30690924 PMCID: PMC6590224 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unhealthy food marketing is a powerful determinant of unhealthy diets and obesity among children. Although it is known that food marketers target young people on social media, no study has yet quantified children's exposure on these platforms. OBJECTIVES To compare the frequency and healthfulness of food marketing seen by children and adolescents on social media apps as well as estimate their weekly exposure. METHODS 101 children and adolescents (ages 7-16 years) completed a survey on their media use and were recorded using their two favourite social media apps for 5 minutes each on the mobile device they usually use. Recordings of app use were reviewed to identify food marketing exposures. RESULTS Overall, 72% of participants were exposed to food marketing. Of the 215 food marketing exposures identified, most promoted unhealthy products such as fast food (44%) and sugar-sweetened beverages (9%). Adolescents viewed more instances of food marketing, on average, per 10-minute period compared with children (Mean [SD] = 2.6 [2.7] versus 1.4 [2.1], U = 1606, z = 2.94, P = 0.003). It was also estimated that children and adolescents see food marketing 30 and 189 times on average per week on social media apps, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Statutory regulations restricting unhealthy food marketing to adolescents and children on social media should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Elisabeth‐Anne Roy
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Nicholas de Billy
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Christine Czoli
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaCanada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jaichuen N, Vongmongkol V, Suphanchaimat R, Sasiwatpaisit N, Tangcharoensathien V. Food Marketing in Facebook to Thai Children and Youth: An Assessment of the Efficacy of Thai Regulations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16071204. [PMID: 30987198 PMCID: PMC6480386 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To assess the marketing of food on Facebook in relation to Government regulations and the industry's self-regulatory codes in Thailand, Facebook pages of 30 of the most popular food brands with young people in Thailand and consumer engagement (number of likes, shares, and comments) were recorded and had their marketing content transcribed during the month of December 2017. We coded the contents into 17 marketing techniques and conducted content analysis of these posts in relation to Government regulations and the industry's self-regulatory codes. A total 752 posts were identified in one month. Retail food brand pages had the highest figures for engagement by Facebook viewers. The most common marketing techniques were the use of pictures (632 posts), followed by branding elements (569 posts) and hashtags (438 posts). Out of a total of 228 spot advert posts, all confectionery adverts and almost all (99.5%) soft drink adverts did not display the advertising license number and none of the confectionery adverts displayed the warning messages as required by law. Confectionery, retail food, and soft drink advertising violated the industry's self-regulatory codes. The food brand Facebook pages in Thailand do not comply with Government regulations and the industry's self-regulatory codes. The Government, civil society organizations, and academia should monitor these violations and improve enforcement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nongnuch Jaichuen
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), The Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | - Vuthiphan Vongmongkol
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), The Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | - Rapeepong Suphanchaimat
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), The Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
- Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, The Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | - Nonglapat Sasiwatpaisit
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), The Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | - Viroj Tangcharoensathien
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), The Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Potvin Kent M, Velazquez CE, Pauzé E, Cheng-Boivin O, Berfeld N. Food and beverage marketing in primary and secondary schools in Canada. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:114. [PMID: 30691422 PMCID: PMC6348619 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unhealthy food marketing is considered a contributor to childhood obesity. In Canada, food marketing in schools is mostly self-regulated by industry though it is sometimes restricted through provincial school policies. The purpose of this study was to document the type of food marketing activities occurring in Canadian schools and examine differences by school characteristics. METHODS An online survey was sent to public primary and secondary schools from 27 school boards in Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia and was completed by 154 Principals in spring 2016. This survey queried the type of food marketing occurring in schools including advertisements, food product displays, fundraising, exclusive marketing agreements, and incentive programs, among others. The occurrence of food marketing was described using frequencies, medians, and ranges. Chi-square and Fisher Exact tests were conducted to assess school-level differences in the frequency of marketing activities by school type (primary versus secondary), province (Ontario versus British Columbia), and the socio-economic status of most students (low versus middle/high income). The significance level was set at α < 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS Overall, 84% of schools reported at least one type of food marketing and the median number of distinct types of marketing per school was 1 (range 0-6). The most frequently reported forms of marketing were the sale of branded food, particularly chocolate, pizza, and other fast food, for fundraising (64% of schools); food advertisements on school property (26%), and participation in incentive programs (18%). Primary schools (n = 108) were more likely to report participating in incentive programs (25%) and selling branded food items (72%) compared to secondary schools (n = 46; 2 and 43% respectively; p < 0.01). Conversely, secondary schools were more likely to report food advertising on school property (56%), exclusive marketing arrangements with food companies (43%), and food product displays (19%) than primary schools (13, 5 and 2%, respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The presence of food marketing in most participating schools suggests that the current patchwork of policies that restrict food marketing in Canadian schools is inadequate. Comprehensive restrictions should be mandated by government in both primary and secondary schools to protect children and youth from this marketing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres., Room 301J, Ottawa, Ontario K1G5Z3 Canada
| | - Cayley E. Velazquez
- Faculty of Science and Horticulture, 12666 72 Ave, Surrey, British Columbia V3W 2M8 Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres., Room 301J, Ottawa, Ontario K1G5Z3 Canada
| | - Olivia Cheng-Boivin
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5 Canada
| | - Noami Berfeld
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7K4 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Vergeer L, Vanderlee L, Potvin Kent M, Mulligan C, L'Abbé MR. The effectiveness of voluntary policies and commitments in restricting unhealthy food marketing to Canadian children on food company websites. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2018; 44:74-82. [PMID: 30273499 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2018-0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Marketing unhealthy foods and beverages to children (M2K) fosters poor dietary patterns, increasing obesity and noncommunicable disease risk. Federal restrictions on M2K have been under development in Canada since 2016; however, at present, M2K is mostly self-regulated by food companies. This study aimed to compare M2K on Canadian websites of food companies with and without voluntary policies or commitments in this area. A systematic content analysis of company websites was conducted in spring/summer 2017 for major packaged food (n = 16), beverage (n = 12), and restaurant chain (n = 13) companies in Canada. M2K policies were sourced from company websites and published corporate documents. Sixteen companies (43%) reported national and/or global M2K policies, while 21 companies (57%) had no published policies. The websites of Canadian companies (n = 154) were scanned for child-directed products and marketing; type and frequency of marketing techniques were recorded. Child-directed marketing appeared on 19 websites of 12 companies (32%), including 9 companies with M2K policies. Websites featured products with unconventional flavours, colours, shapes, or child-oriented packaging, and used promotional characters, contests, games, activities, or lettering and graphics appealing to children. The nutritional quality of products marketed to children was evaluated using a nutrient profile model developed by Health Canada for proposed M2K regulations. Of the 217 products marketed to children, 97% exceeded Health Canada's proposed ∼5% Daily Value threshold for saturated fat, sodium, and/or sugars, 73% of which were products from 9 companies with policies. These findings highlight the limitations of self-regulation in restricting M2K on food company websites, reinforcing the need for government regulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vergeer
- a Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Lana Vanderlee
- a Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- b School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- a Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Mary R L'Abbé
- a Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Potvin Kent M, Smith JR, Pauzé E, L'Abbé M. The effectiveness of the food and beverage industry's self-established uniform nutrition criteria at improving the healthfulness of food advertising viewed by Canadian children on television. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2018; 15:57. [PMID: 29929539 PMCID: PMC6013888 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-018-0694-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Food and beverage marketing has been identified as an environmental determinant of childhood obesity. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the Uniform Nutrition Criteria established and implemented by companies participating in the self-regulatory Canadian Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CAI) had an impact on the healthfulness of food and beverage advertising during television programming with a high share of children in the viewing audience. Methods Data on food advertising were licensed from Numeris for 27 television stations for Toronto for May 2013 and May 2016 (i.e. before and after the implementation of the nutrition criteria). First, television programs that had a child audience share of ≥35% (when the nutrition criteria applied) were identified. Ten percent of these programs were randomly selected and included in the study. After identifying the food and beverage ads that aired during these programs, the nutritional information of advertised products was collected and their healthfulness was assessed using the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and UK Nutrient Profile Models (NPM). The healthfulness of CAI products advertised in May 2013 and 2016 was compared using Chi-square tests. Results Although in May 2016, products advertised by CAI companies were more likely to be categorized as healthier by the UK NPM (21.5% versus 6.7%, χ2(1) = 12.1,p = 000) compared to those advertised in May 2013, the frequency of advertised products considered less healthy in May 2016 remained very high (78.5%) and comparable to that of products advertised by companies not participating in the CAI (80.0% categorized as less healthy). Furthermore, in both May 2013 and May 2016, 99–100% of CAI advertisements featured products deemed excessive in either fat (total, saturated, trans), sodium or free sugars according to the PAHO NPM. Conclusions Despite modest improvements noted after the implementation of the CAI’s Uniform Nutrition Criteria, the healthfulness of most products advertised during programs with a high share of children in the viewing audience remains poor. Mandatory regulations are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres., Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G5Z3, Canada.
| | - Jennifer R Smith
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres., Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G5Z3, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres., Room 301J, Ottawa, ON, K1G5Z3, Canada
| | - Mary L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|