Authors' objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of current evidence to: 1. Examine the amount of advertising of non-core foods to children on Australian television a) during children's peak viewing time (PVT) b) according to program classifications 2. Examine changes in the amount of non-core food advertising during children's television programs since the introduction of the industry's voluntary self-regulation initiatives (the RCMI and the QSRI) 3. Contrast non-core food advertising during children's television programs between signatories and non-signatories to the industry initiatives.

Authors' recommendations: While recent data suggests there is negligible non-core food advertising during C-rated programs, many children are exposed to advertisements while viewing programs with other classifications. Estimates of children's exposure to non-core food advertisements during their peak viewing times vary from 0.7 to 6.5 per hour. Furthermore, non-core foods comprise a higher percentage of all food advertisements than core foods, highlighting the relative preponderance of these foods advertised on television. Since the introduction of the RCMI and QSRI, the rate of advertising of non-core foods during children's PVT has always been higher among signatories compared with non-signatories. Finally, recent evidence highlights multiple breaches of the industry initiatives and of the Children's Television Standards.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: Not Available

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617

Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)