Group asks WHO to restrict marketing of unhealthy foods

MANILA, Philippines – Amid growing concern on obesity among Filipino children, the global consumer federation Consumers International (CI) yesterday sought restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy food in the Philippines.

CI asked the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop a regional plan on food marketing to children so as to prevent the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases among Filipino children.

Jennifer del Rosario-Malonzo, IBON Foundation and CI representative, said a sophisticated marketing technique is being used to encourage consumption of unhealthy foods in the Western Pacific Region, including the Philippines.

Malonzo noted that research done by CI indicated that the marketing of food high in fat, sugar and salt influences the food choices of Filipino children.

“Results of the CI research showed that exposure to commercial promotion of food high in saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, sugars or salt has a direct effect on children desiring and consuming these unhealthy food,” Malonzo disclosed. – Mayen Jaymalin