Geneva – The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in a series of recommendations that junk food would not be sold in schools and playgrounds. The recommendation is part of the WHO strategy to promote healthy diet and reduce obesity levels in children.
Nevertheless, instead of directly denouncing the role of advertisements in attracting school going children towards harmful junk food, the WHO called for member states to “consider the most effective approach to reduce” such marketing gimmicks. In the upcoming General Assembly in September 2011, the non – binding recommendations will again be taken up for review.
The UN health agency said that their primary agenda is to make those settings safe where school children gather. By making it safe, the UN meant getting rid of marketing all those food items rich in trans-fatty acids and saturated fats. Among the settings UN targets are nurseries, pre-school centers, family clinics, children clinics, pediatric services, schools, playgrounds and places where sporting and cultural activities are held.
According to data made available to us by WHO, more than 43 million pre-school children are over weight and obese. Certainly, the numbers are increasing at an alarming rate. Discussing ways to reduce junk food marketing will be on high agenda in the September 19-20 General Assembly meeting in New York.
