Health groups call for new limits on food marketing to children
The National Heart Alliance (NHA) and Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) have called for the Government to take steps to protect children from food marketing, to help tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity.
At a presentation today to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, the NHA (an alliance of more than 40 Irish organisations), and the Irish Heart Foundation outlined the scale of the problem, citing strong international evidence.
“In implementing the smoking ban Ireland showed that it can be courageous and take an international lead to implement good health promoting policy,” said NHA chairman David Kennedy.
“There is an opportunity for the Irish Government to again show leadership in tackling obesity.
“Today we are highlighting some clear policy steps that can be taken to protect children from the marketing of unhealthy foods. This is just part of the overall solution on obesity, but each recommendation is readily achievable.
“For the health of our children, I urge that the issues presented today be addressed.”
