Food Advertising Unit responds to report published by International Association of Consumer Food Organizations

The report Broadcasting Bad Health published today by the International Association of Consumer Food Organizations (IACFO) gives the views of its constituent members on the global picture of food advertising and marketing.

The Food Advertising Unit (FAU) represents the food advertising industry in the UK. The FAU considers it important that those reading the IACFO’s report are aware that:

Food advertising to children is stringently regulated here in the UK and is governed by a mixture of statutory and self-regulatory codes. These codes are regularly reviewed and subject to public consultation.
These codes are not voluntary. Food advertisers closely adhere to them. Breaches of the codes are subject to a range of sanctions.
FAU members are involved in a series of initiatives promoting healthy lifestyle messages through, for example, the use of sponsorship, on-pack information and interactive websites and support media literacy initiatives such as Media Smart. The FAU itself supports and encourages such initiatives.

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Notes to editors

The Food Advertising Unit (FAU), based in the offices of the UK Advertising Association is a centre for information, communication and research in the area of food advertising, particularly television advertising to children. In addition to the commission and publication of research, the FAU holds an annual conference and is an active participant in the debate surrounding children and commercialism. The FAU has also produced and widely distributed its ParentPower booklets, which are designed to help parents consider the commercial nature of the modern world, and how best to introduce their children to it.

For further information

Contact Stephanie Quantick, Deborah Morris, Gillian Waddell on 0207 498 8211

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