ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the methodology and findings from a systematic review of research into the impact of food promotion on children’s food knowledge, preferences, and behavior. The research was commissioned by the UK Food Standards Agency in an attempt to clarify the influence of food promotion on children’s dietary behavior. The review had two main tasks. The first task was to systematically review the extent and nature of food promotion to children. The second and fundamental task of the review was to investigate the effect of commercial food promotion on children. Studies had to address directly the extent and nature of food promotion to children and/or its effects on their food knowledge, preferences, or behavior. Children’s food promotion is dominated by television advertising, including advertisements for presugared breakfast cereals, confectionary, savory snacks, soft drinks, and fast-food outlets. Policy action on food promotion should form part of a broader strategy to tackle obesity among young people.
