Food industry has infiltrated UK children’s education: stealth marketing exposed: Video 1

Abstract

BMJ investigation reveals widespread influence of food and drink brands in schools and nurseries-through breakfast clubs, nutrition guidance, and healthy eating campaigns. Experts say the tactics require much greater scrutiny and pushback, writes Emma Wilkinson Emma Wilkinson freelance journalistAcademics, public health experts, and campaigners are calling for a pushback against food industry influence in UK schools and nurseries in response to The BMJ's findings that the food industry has infiltrated children's education and childcare over many years-through breakfast clubs, nutrition guidance, and healthy eating campaigns.With grants and funding, free educational resources, and campaigns, the food industry has been able to provide advice to children on "healthy" eating for decades, while rates of obesity in the UK have worsened. Experts say that the tactics are highly problematic and require much greater scrutiny in line with the pushback against alcohol and gambling companies funding education programmes in schools. 1 In an open letter addressed to the secretaries of state for health and social care and for education, 38 doctors, researchers, peers, and others call on the government to end this stealth marketing to children (see supplementary file on bmj.com).The organisations influencing food provision and education in schools include Kellogg's, Greggs, and a "policy development" charity that is funded by companies including Coca Cola, PepsiCo, Mars, Nestlé, and McDonald's.