Dentists are backing calls for greater restrictions on junk food marketing.
It comes after the recent release of an article, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, looking into children's views on junk food marketing, including advertising; what nutritional information should be provided; and how healthy food is promoted.
A consensus statement released today on sugary drinks, led by the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA), said the research was proof that industry representatives Food and Grocery Council's handling of concerns around junk food advertising "isn't practical or good enough".
"Not only does the study show how aware children are of marketing of junk food, including sugary drinks, but frankly, the response from industry representatives Food and Grocery Council of 'don't worry, people can complain to the Commerce Commission or Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)' isn't practical or good enough," NZDA sugary drinks spokesperson Dr Rob Beaglehole said.
"What we need is independent monitoring and evaluation of food marketing, particularly of that which influences our children. Our organisation, and many others identify that the self-regulatory advertising model isn’t working."
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