BHF launches website to beat junk food

Using the internet www.bhf.org.uk/food4thought, the BHF campaign encourages 11-13 year olds to think about the food they eat and to be more aware of junk food marketing tricks. Teacher packs are being sent out to 2,500 schools that comprise 'red reveal' glasses to help children see through junk food that marketers are trying to sell them. A recent survey, conducted by the BHF), shows that marketing tricks directly targeting children are helping to engage them in 'playing' with junk food. One in five has spent time playing a game on a food or drink label, and one in eight children have played a game on a food or drink company's website. Betty McBride, BHF director of policy and communications, commented: "How can children be expected to make informed food choices when they are constantly bombarded by junk food propaganda?" Helen Lawrenson, a supported of the BHF's call to ban marketing of junk food to children, said: "I think it's shocking that these companies are allowed to build websites aimed at children. Parents are under enough pressure to buy things already." Further research also suggests that two-thirds of children are so used to eating junk food that they no longer see it as a treat given to them once in a while. The BHF polled 500 young people earlier this month and found that 82% of respondents did not see crisps as anything other than normal food.