Originally published October 7 2005
France will impose mandatory health advisories on processed food advertisements
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Among the countries comprising the European Union, France will become the first to require health messages when advertisers place processed foods before consumers on radio and television.
France is preparing to become the first country to impose mandatory health messages on all television and radio advertisements that promote processed food next year - to the consternation of a complex circle of advertisers, manufacturers and media companies.
Other countries are reviewing television advertising standards, while the European Union is prodding food manufacturers to develop a code of self-regulations to confront rising obesity rates among adults and children.
The mandatory nutrition messages in France are the result of public health legislation passed in 2004.
For Neville Rigby, director of public affairs for the International Association for the Study of Obesity, based in London, the French are taking a hard line, but it is not enough.
This summer, the Dutch food industry drew up guidelines on food and beverage advertising under pressure from the government.
The Center for Sugar Research and Information, based in Paris, took a combative approach after the Health Ministry recently introduced a campaign urging citizens to reduce sugar intake and increase carbohydrate consumption.
Sweden and Norway ban children's advertising on local television, although viewers can still see commercials from other countries on cable and satellite channels.
But this summer, a wave of other countries started taking small steps to control and limit food advertising, particularly commercials aimed at children.
The trend leaves food marketers feeling besieged, said Will Gilroy, communications manager for the World Federation of Advertisers, which is based in Brussels and represents 50 national advertiser associations.
"It's helpful if we start with positive messages," he said.
"But it's quite clear that simply telling people what to do is not a counterfoil to the promotion of junk food and sugary drinks.
This summer, the Dutch food industry drew up guidelines on food and beverage advertising under pressure from the government.
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