The role of the advertising industry
Food advertising and health is an important debate, in which the advertising industry can make a positive contribution in the interests of society. The FAU is supportive of efforts to address issues relating to diet, physical activity and health, and our members are committed to playing a positive role.
However, food marketing is not the fundamental driver of diet quality, or the overall health of society. Many factors are involved in the process of becoming overweight or obese and therefore the problem is one which demands a holistic rather than piecemeal approach.
The FAU can be part of the solution by:
• Promoting responsible implementation and adherence to the spirit and letter of the codes.
• Promoting media literacy programmes, member CSR initiatives and educational campaigns such as Media Smart.
• Commissioning new research to inform and advance the debate