WCRF warns of 'unhealthy' brands advertising to children
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has warned that brands which target unhealthy food and drink at youngsters are not being policed enough.Its concern comes in the wake of research from the Kids Brand Index which has shown that nine out of the top 20 brands aimed at children romote food which is high in calories.
Kate Mendoza, head of education at WCRF, said: "It is extremely worrying for our children's health that Walker's Crisps. McDonald's and Coca-Cola are in the top five children's brands."
She said that the index should serve as a "wake-up call" for the Government to take action and make the rules surrounding advertising to young children stricter.
Ms Mendoza said that advertising unhealthy food "as fun and aspirational" makes the job of persuading children to eat healthily harder than it already is.
The WCRF has stated that there is "convincing evidence" to show that those who are overweight, and particularly people who carry weight around their stomach, are at an increased risk of developing bowel cancer.
