The impact of junk food marketing regulations on food sales: an ecological study

Obes Rev. 2018 Jun;19(6):761-769. doi: 10.1111/obr.12678. Epub 2018 Mar 8.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of junk food broadcast marketing policies on nationwide junk food sales and identify policy characteristics effective in reducing sales.

Methods: Country policy data (n = 79) were categorized in a thorough literature review and analysed using a repeated measures design against data on food sales per capita. Study conducted in United States, 2017.

Results: Countries with junk food broadcast marketing policies saw a decrease in junk food sales per capita after implementation, while those without said policies saw an increase (p = 0.013). Countries with statutory policies saw a decrease in sales per capita, while those with only self-regulation saw an increase (p = 0.004). Audience restrictions (p = 0.024) and standardized nutrition criteria (p = 0.008) were policy characteristics significantly associated with a decrease in sales per capita.

Conclusions: Utilizing a novel approach to evaluate junk food broadcast marketing policies, the study demonstrated that countries with statutory policies saw a significant decrease in junk food sales per capita not seen in countries with no or only self-regulatory policies. To effectively reduce exposure to child-targeted junk food marketing, governments should establish strong, comprehensive statutory regulations. Additionally, countries that implement junk food marketing policies can use food sales data to track policy effectiveness.

Keywords: Food marketing policy; non-communicable diseases; processed foods.

MeSH terms

  • Advertising / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Commerce*
  • Fast Foods*
  • Humans
  • Nutrition Policy*
  • Public Health*