WHO guidelines To protect children from harmful food marketing

On July 3, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines aimed at safeguarding children from the detrimental impacts of food marketing. The guidelines address concerns related to the promotion of foods that contain high levels of saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, and/or salts (HFSS). The United Nations health agency took this step after evaluating evidence that showed the adverse effects of such marketing on children's health.

• The guidelines build upon 2010 WHO 'Set of Recommendations on the Marketing of Foods and Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Children' and consider recent evidence specific to children and food marketing.

• The guidelines call for comprehensive policies to reduce migration between different marketing mediums, using nutrient profile models and avoiding restrictions in regulated channels.

• The American Heart Association has also opposed the marketing of low-nutrient, high-calorie foods to children.

• The Lancet published a series titled 'Commercial Determinants of Health' in March 2023, highlighting the role of business actors in influencing health and society.

About World Health Organization:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency for Health under the United Nations, founded in 1948.

• Its main headquarters are situated in Geneva, Switzerland.

• At present, WHO has 194 Member States, and it functions through 150 country offices and six regional offices.

• The organization officially began its work on April 7, 1948, and this date is now celebrated every year as World Health Day.