A Glance of Children Health Related Food Advertisements on Channel 2 and News Network of Iran

Abstract

Many children get home work from school and spend their considerable time in front of the TV screens. The pattern of food advertisements viewed by the TV's is essential. Socio-cultural factors have an important role in food choices. Nutritional status of children is even very effective for a healthy life in adolescent. Studies show that people choices for both valuable or junk foods and drinks are affected by advertisement that they view. We aimed to assess the food advertising mode on Channel 2 and News Network of Iran Broadcasting. The advertised subjects have been evaluated in January and February 2010 for 20 days (10 days for every channel including 4 weekends and 6 working days). 78% of the food advertising time on channel 2 was for junk and unhealthy foods and the proportions for News Network was 72%. More than 85% of food advertising broadcast on channel 2 for kids attributed to unhealthy food. The study has shown that most of the TV nutritional advertisements were targeted for junk snacks and food with low value nutrients including high in fat, sugars, salt and other additives. The education of the population with respect of food choices and availability of wide selection of safe foods and avoidance of junk foods should be a strategy for health concerning policy makers. National law and regulations also must be enacted for legal prohibition of advertising junk and poor nutrient foods.