News [11/30/2006 ]         On 29 November, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published the official report of the Forum and Technical Meeting on the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages to children held in Oslo in May 2006. The objectives of the Forum, at which WFA representation was present, were: - to review the current state of knowledge regarding the influence of marketing, including advertising, of foods and nonalcoholic beverages on children's dietary choices; - to discuss the implications of this influence on children’s nutritional status; - to review national experiences and actions taken by various stakeholders. A series of definitions were agreed in the context of managing the global food marketing issue. Having considered the evidence and experience from countries and different stakeholders, the Technical Meeting made recommendations including: 1. A strong scientific rationale is available through the robust science and research that links commercial promotion of foods and beverages to poor diets in children.  The evidence clearly shows that this extensive food promotion has a deleterious effect on children's food knowledge, attitudes, purchase behaviour and consumption. 2. Global action is necessary to make sure that global rules will be generated and commercial promotions that target children across country boundaries be addressed. 3. For the purpose of substantially reducing the volume and impact of commercial promotion of food and beverages to children, self-regulation is not sufficient. Four national policy options were suggested to address marketing to children: Option A: Specified restrictions on the age groups targeted and the times, settings and techniques used by advertisers in the commercial promotion of energy-dense, micronutrient-poor foods and drinks. Option B: No promotion of any energy-dense, micronutrient-poor foods or beverages to chidren. Option C: No commercial promotion of any foods or beverages to children. Option D: No commercial promotion of any products to children. In order to address the global nature of commercial promotion, WHO calls for international action in the development of an international code on the commercial promotion of food and beverages to children in association with international partners – the United Nations Agencies, member states and other stakeholders.  The international code will provide the basis for action at this level. Next steps: WHO will discuss and assess the report’s recommendations with regard to their technical merit, financial implications and appropriate roles for the Organisation. The development of an international code will require the approval of the WHO governing bodies. The recommendations reflect the work of the participants of the Technical Meeting and have not yet been endorsed by WHO. Source: Advertising Education Forum The WFA presentation given during the meeting on behalf of global marketers is available on request. For more information please contact w.gilroy@wfanet.org