| ||||||||||||
PRINT
COMMENT
SUBSCRIBE
RSS
But for those richer countries (especially the U.S.), the modern developed world yields heavier humans. That's what 21h century food manufacturing can do for you: fast-food is cash-easy.
The downside is always about health -- especially among our younger citizens. In this regard, a couple of Congressional representatives want to start up more legislation to curtail food marketing to kids on TV shows.
Advertising supporters are already calling this -- what else? -- a violation of free speech. As usual, though, marketing executives aren't focusing on the right direction: It isn't about the stuff (words) that leave one's mouth; it's about the stuff that goes in.
Food makers turning a blind eye to what's going on in the TV world should get another optical examination.
Here's another secret: It isn't necessarily about the quality of food -- it's about quantity, as well. Tons of whole-wheat, sugar-free, gluten-free, preservative-free (and yes, maybe taste-free) food can still make people overweight.
If the world expects food balance in citizens, this balance should show itself on TV. This would mean kids' programmers should be required to run one sugary juice box ad directly followed by a Bally's Fitness ad. For every cheese -aden snack, there should be a commercial with images of someone riding a bike or running.
It's a mixed message but a good one: energy in, energy out. U.S. consumers need balance. So do kids' TV programmers and their sponsors.
3 people recommend this article.
RSS FEEDS
We're already to the point where it's difficult to market restaurant foods to children. Some soft drink manufacturers have been completely removed themselves from some networks. Even cereal, whose sugar content can exceed 35% or 40%, is getting the call from some as inappropriate food marketed toward children...
I have fond memories of all those nutritionist-designed lunch menus of my youth, and all the food we didn't want to eat simply thrown away. It's hard to regulate away freedom.
PS - Fitness chain advertising for the pre-teenage crowd would not be very effective since they can not use those facilities.