Report calls for restricting marketing to kids in grocery stores, restaurants

TORONTO –

A brand new report that appears on the prevalence of promoting to youngsters inside grocery shops and eating places suggests regulation is required to assist cut back unhealthy meals temptations.

The report funded by Heart and Stroke audited shows at greater than 2,000 eating places and 800 shops throughout Canada and says youngsters could also be bombarded with messages that make junk meals appear interesting.

Researchers discovered almost 53 per cent of shops had “junk meals energy partitions” at checkout aisles, which it says are prime areas to market to youngsters as a result of merchandise are positioned inside their attain.

The analysis says that placement encourages “pester power” — when youngsters nag or pester their dad and mom to make impulse purchases.

University of Waterloo affiliate professor Leia Minaker says designs and themes similar to “magic, adventure and zoo animals” are additionally generally seen in beverage and ice cream fridges.

The report says wholesome checkout aisle insurance policies and prohibiting toy giveaways with youngsters’s meals may assist cut back consumption of unhealthy meals.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed March 21, 2023.