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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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Mulligan C, Remedios L, Ramsay T, Pauzé E, Bagnato M, Potvin Kent M. The impact of characters like Tony the Tiger and other child-targeted techniques used in food and beverage marketing. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1287473. [PMID: 38115882 PMCID: PMC10728630 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1287473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Food marketing's impact is a function of exposure and power, both of which contribute to children's poor diet quality and obesity risk. Children's exposure to food marketing is well documented, however, few studies have assessed the impact of specific persuasive marketing techniques or aspects of 'power' on children. Methods This study administered an online survey to 1,341 Canadian children (9-12 years) aiming to determine the impact of: (1) child-targeted vs. adult-targeted marketing, and (2) licensed characters vs. spokes characters on children's food preferences and behavioral intentions. Participants were randomized to a single condition in each survey part and viewed 3 static food advertisements displaying the features of that condition (e.g., child-targeted advertising or licensed characters), and answered 3 Likert-scale (5-point) questions after each exposure. For each condition within each research question, there were four outcome variables related to the impact of marketing on children: food preference, purchase intent, pester power, and total impact. ANOVA tested the difference in impact (Likert scores) between conditions overall and for each outcome, with Bonferroni post-hoc tests where necessary. Results A greater average total impact was observed among children exposed to child-targeted ads (mean Likert score 3.36) vs. adult-targeted ads (mean score 2.75; p < 0.001) or no marketing (mean score 2.81; p < 0.001). Children exposed to ads featuring spokes characters had a higher average total impact (mean score 3.98) vs. licensed characters (mean score 3.80; p < 0.001) and the control (i.e., no characters) (mean score 3.19; p < 0.001), and the total impact of licensed characters was greater than that of no characters. Similar trends were observed for all other outcomes. Discussion Overall, this study showed that child-targeted ads and those using characters - especially spokes characters - have a strong overall impact on children's food preferences, purchase intents, and pester power, and support the implementation of comprehensive marketing restrictions to protect children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Mulligan
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tim Ramsay
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Potvin Kent M, Soares Guimarães J, Amson A, Pauzé E, Remedios L, Bagnato M, Pritchard M, Onwo A, Wu D, L'Abbé M, Mulligan C, Vergeer L, Weippert M. Sex differences in children's exposure to food and beverage advertisements on broadcast television in four cities in Canada. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can 2023; 43:222-230. [PMID: 37195652 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.43.5.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sex differences exist in children's obesity rates, dietary patterns and television viewing. Television continues to be a source of unhealthy food advertising exposure to children in Canada. Our objective was to examine sex differences in food advertising exposure in children aged 2 to 17 years across four Canadian English language markets. METHODS We licensed 24-hour television advertising data from the company Numerator for January through December 2019, in four cities (Vancouver, Calgary, Montréal and Toronto) across Canada. Child food advertising exposure overall, by food category, television station, Health Canada's proposed nutrient profiling model, and marketing techniques were examined on the 10 most popular television stations among children and compared by sex. Advertising exposure was estimated using gross rating points, and sex differences were described using relative and absolute differences. RESULTS Both male and female children were exposed to an elevated level of unhealthy food advertising and a plethora of marketing techniques across all four cities. Differences between sexes were evident between and within cities. Compared to females, males in Vancouver and Montréal viewed respectively 24.7% and 24.0% more unhealthy food ads/person/year and were exposed to 90.2 and 133.4 more calls to action, 93.3 and 97.8 more health appeals, and 88.4 and 81.0 more products that appeal to children. CONCLUSION Television is a significant source of children's exposure to food advertising, with clear sex differences. Policy makers need to consider sex when developing food advertising restrictions and monitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Soares Guimarães
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashley Amson
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, 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
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ajiri Onwo
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Wu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madyson Weippert
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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Potvin Kent M, Pauzé E, Bagnato M, Guimarães JS, Pinto A, Remedios L, Pritchard M, L'Abbé M, Mulligan C, Vergeer L, Weippert M. Advertising expenditures across media on food and beverage products heavily advertised on youth-appealing television stations in Canada. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2023; 48:27-37. [PMID: 36174233 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2022-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This research estimated and characterized advertising expenditures on food products heavily advertised on youth-appealing television stations in Canada in 2019 overall, by media, by food category, and compared expenditures in two policy environments (Quebec and the rest of Canada, excluding the territories) and on "healthier" versus "less healthy" products. Advertising expenditure estimates for 57 selected food categories promoted on television, radio, out-of-home media, print media, and popular websites were licensed from Numerator. Sixty-one products or brands were identified as heavily advertised on youth-appealing stations and classified as "healthier" or "less healthy" based on a nutrient profile model proposed by Health Canada. Total expenditures and expenditures per adolescent capita were calculated. Approximately, $110.9 million was spent advertising food products heavily advertised to adolescents in Canada in 2019, with television accounting for 77% of total expenditures and fast food restaurants accounting for 51%. Most expenditures (77%; $80.6 million) were devoted to advertising "less healthy" products. In Quebec, advertising expenditures on examined products were 23% lower per capita ($45.15/capita) compared to the rest of Canada ($58.44/capita). Advertising expenditures in Quebec were lower for energy drinks (-47%; -$0.80/capita) and candy and chocolate (-41%; -$1.00/capita) and higher for yogurt (+85%; +$1.22/capita) and portable snacks (+25%; +$0.15/capita). Quebec's restriction of commercial advertising directed to children under 13 may explain lower per capita advertising expenditures on some "less healthy" foods heavily advertised to adolescents in Quebec. Nevertheless, this spending remains high in Quebec and nationally. Continued monitoring of these expenditures is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Mariangela Bagnato
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Julia Soares Guimarães
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Adena Pinto
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Lauren Remedios
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Meghan Pritchard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Mary L'Abbé
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Christine Mulligan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Laura Vergeer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Madyson Weippert
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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10
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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11
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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.
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12
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Nieto C, Jáuregui A, Contreras-Manzano A, Potvin Kent M, Sacks G, White CM, Pauzé E, Vanderlee L, Thrasher JF, Barquera S, Hammond D. Adults' Exposure to Unhealthy Food and Beverage Marketing: A Multi-Country Study in Australia, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. J Nutr 2022; 152:25S-34S. [PMID: 35544288 PMCID: PMC9188858 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food marketing increases product appeal, purchasing, and consumption, using diverse strategies and locations to reach consumers. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine differences in adults' self-reported exposure to various marketing strategies (brand and licensed characters, celebrities, and sponsorship of sports and cultural events) and locations (television, radio, and digital media) across 5 countries: Australia, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional survey data on self-reported exposure to food marketing strategies and locations collected in 2018 by the International Food Policy Study. Participants (n = 21,678) aged ≥18 years completed an online survey. Exposures to unhealthy food marketing strategies and locations in the prior 30 days were self-reported. Regression models examined differences in marketing exposure and locations across countries. RESULTS The average number of unhealthy food marketing strategies to which participants reported being exposed ranged from 0.5 in the United Kingdom to 2.3 in Mexico. Self-reported exposure to strategies across all countries was highest for brand characters (32%), followed by licensed characters (22%). In total, the reported mean exposure of marketing locations was 1.6 in the prior month. Television was the most prevalent location (44%), followed by digital marketing (32%). Adjusted models indicated that the odds of reporting exposure to marketing strategies and marketing locations were higher for Mexico compared to the rest of the countries. CONCLUSIONS Adults report a variety of exposures to unhealthy food marketing in all countries, but exposure was highest in Mexico. Special attention should be paid to regulating marketing strategies, such as brand characters and licensed characters, and locations, such as television and digital marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Nieto
- Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | | | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Christine M White
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, 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, Québec, Canada
| | - James F Thrasher
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA,Center for Population Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Simón Barquera
- Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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13
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Pauzé E, Potvin Kent M. Children's measured exposure to food and beverage advertising on television in Toronto (Canada), May 2011-May 2019. Can J Public Health 2021; 112:1008-1019. [PMID: 34129214 PMCID: PMC8651920 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-021-00528-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to unhealthy food advertising is a known determinant of children's poor dietary behaviours. The purpose of this study was to quantify and characterize Canadian children's exposure to food advertising on broadcast television and examine trends over time. METHODS Objectively measured advertising exposure data for 19 food categories airing on 30 stations broadcast in Toronto were licenced for May 2011 and May 2019. Using ad ratings data, the average number of food advertisements viewed by children aged 2-11 years, overall, by food category and by type of television station (child-appealing, adolescent-appealing and generalist stations), was estimated per time period. RESULTS In May 2019, children viewed an average of 136 food advertisements on television, 20% fewer than in May 2011. More than half of advertisements viewed in May 2019 promoted unhealthy food categories such as fast food (43% of exposure), candy (6%), chocolate (6%) and regular soft drinks (5%) and only 17% of their total exposure occurred on child-appealing stations. Between May 2011 and May 2019, children's exposure increased the most, in absolute terms, for savory snack foods (+7.2 ad exposures/child), fast food (+5.4) and regular soft drinks (+5.3) with most of these increases occurring on generalist stations. CONCLUSION Canadian children are still exposed to advertisements promoting unhealthy food categories on television despite voluntary restrictions adopted by some food companies. Statutory restrictions should be adopted and designed such that children are effectively protected from unhealthy food advertising on both stations intended for general audiences and those appealing to younger audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Pauzé
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada.
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14
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Vanderlee L, Czoli CD, Pauzé E, Potvin Kent M, White CM, Hammond D. A comparison of self-reported exposure to fast food and sugary drinks marketing among parents of children across five countries. Prev Med 2021; 147:106521. [PMID: 33744330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to unhealthy food and beverage marketing is an important environmental determinant of dietary intake. The current study examined self-reported exposure to marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages across various media channels and settings among parents of children younger than 18 years in five high and upper-middle income countries. Data from 4827 parents living with their children were analyzed from the International Food Policy Study (2017), a web-based survey of adults aged 18-64 years from Canada, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, and Mexico. Respondents reported their exposure to marketing of fast food and of sugary drinks across media channels/settings overall and how often they see fast food and sugary drink marketing while viewing media with their children. Regression models examined differences across countries and correlates of marketing exposure. Parents in Mexico and the US reported greater exposure to marketing for fast food and sugary drinks compared to parents in Australia, Canada, and the UK. Patterns of exposure among parents were generally consistent across countries, with TV, digital media, and radio being the most commonly reported media channels for both fast food and sugary drinks. Exposure to marketing of fast food and sugary drinks was associated with a variety of sociodemographic factors, most strongly with ethnicity and education, and sociodemographic trends differed somewhat between countries. The findings demonstrate differences in self-reported parental exposure to marketing of fast food and sugary drinks between countries, and may help to evaluate the impact of marketing restrictions implemented over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Vanderlee
- École de Nutrition, Centre de nutrition, santé et société (NUTRISS), Université Laval, 2425 rue de L'Agriculture, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Christine D Czoli
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5Z3, Canada; Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Ottawa, 110-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Z 8R9, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| | - Christine M White
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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15
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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16
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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17
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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;
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18
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Pinto A, Pauzé E, Mutata R, Roy-Gagnon MH, Potvin Kent M. Food and Beverage Advertising to Children and Adolescents on Television: A Baseline Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E1999. [PMID: 32197390 PMCID: PMC7142724 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The progressive rise in Canadian child obesity has paralleled trends in unhealthy food consumption. Industry has contributed to these trends through aggressive food and beverage marketing in various media and child settings. This study aimed to assess the extent of food and beverage advertising on television in Canada and compare the frequency of food advertising broadcasted during programs targeted to preschoolers, children, adolescents and adults. Annual advertising from 2018 was drawn from publicly available television program logs. Food and beverage advertisement rates and frequencies were compared by, target age group, television station, month and food category, using linear regression modelling and chi-square tests, in SAS version 9.4. Rates of food and beverage advertising differed significantly between the four target age groups, and varied significantly by television station and time of the year, in 2018. The proportion of advertisements for food and beverage products was significantly greater during preschooler-, child-, and adult-programming [5432 (54%), 142,451 (74%) and 2,886,628 (48%), respectively; p < 0.0001] compared to adolescent-programming [27,268 (42%)]. The proportion of advertisements promoting fast food was significantly greater among adolescent-programming [33,475 (51%), p < 0.0001] compared to other age groups. Legislation restricting food and beverage advertising is needed in Canada as current self-regulatory practices are failing to protect young people from unhealthy food advertising and its potential negative health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
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19
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Giroux I, Pauzé E, Rosa M. [Apprentissage par simulation : activité novatrice de formation interprofessionnelle sur la gestion de la dysphagie]. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2020; 81:44-48. [PMID: 31081679 DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2019-016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Interprofessional patient simulations are an emerging pedagogical approach that is increasingly being used in the education of health professionals. Although the benefits of patient simulations have been widely documented in the fields of medicine and nursing, few studies have explored the potential of this approach in educating future dietitians. This article describes 4 patient simulations, including 2 interprofessional simulations, focused on the management of dysphagia, which were carried out as part of an Honours Bachelor in Nutrition Sciences program and discusses the potential merits of this teaching method in educating future dietitians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Giroux
- Écoles des sciences de la nutrition, Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
| | - Elise Pauzé
- Écoles des sciences de la nutrition, Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
| | - Mylène Rosa
- Faculté d'éducation, Université d'Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
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20
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Czoli CD, Pauzé E, Potvin Kent M. Exposure to Food and Beverage Advertising on Television among Canadian Adolescents, 2011 to 2016. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020428. [PMID: 32046142 PMCID: PMC7071192 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescents represent a key audience for food advertisers, however there is little evidence of adolescent exposure to food marketing in Canada. This study examined trends in Canadian adolescents’ exposure to food advertising on television. To do so, data on 19 food categories were licensed from Nielsen Media Research for May 2011, 2013, and 2016 for the broadcasting market of Toronto, Canada. The average number of advertisements viewed by adolescents aged 12–17 years on 31 television stations during the month of May each year was estimated using television ratings data. Findings revealed that between May 2011 and May 2016, the total number of food advertisements aired on all television stations increased by 4%, while adolescents’ average exposure to food advertising decreased by 31%, going from 221 ads in May 2011 to 154 in May 2016. In May 2016, the advertising of fast food and sugary drinks dominated, relative to other categories, accounting for 42% and 11% of all exposures, respectively. The findings demonstrate a declining trend in exposure to television food advertising among Canadian adolescents, which may be due to shifts in media consumption. These data may serve as a benchmark for monitoring and evaluating future food marketing policies in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine D Czoli
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada; (C.D.C.); (E.P.)
- Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9, Canada
| | - Elise Pauzé
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada; (C.D.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Monique Potvin Kent
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada; (C.D.C.); (E.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(613)-562-5800 (ext. 7447)
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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.
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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: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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Blanchet R, Sanou D, Nana CP, Pauzé E, Batal M, Giroux I. Strategies and Challenges in Recruiting Black Immigrant Mothers for a Community-Based Study on Child Nutritional Health in Ottawa, Canada. J Immigr Minor Health 2016; 19:367-372. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-016-0536-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pauzé E, Batal M, Philizaire Y, Blanchet R, Sanou D. Determinants of diet quality among rural households in an intervention zone of Grande Anse, Haiti. Food Secur 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s12571-016-0615-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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