Fifteenth Meeting of the WHO European Action Network on Reducing Marketing Pressure on Children

Overview

In May 2021, the fifteenth meeting of the WHO European Action Network on Reducing Marketing Pressure on Children took place online. The Network facilitates cooperation and knowledge sharing between European Member States on reducing marketing of foods high in fat, sugar or salt (‎HFSS)‎ to children as part of broader efforts to tackle increasing levels of childhood obesity and the high burden of noncommunicable diseases. Representatives of 26 Member States belonging to the Network participated in the meeting, along with academic experts and representatives of civil society and international organizations, including WHO. The meeting heard updates from several Member States on progress in introducing measures to restrict HFSS food marketing to children. The meeting explored how to strengthen regulatory frameworks and sought to better understand the policy and public debate around the issue, as well as the methods used in corporate political activity to influence policy. Issues around monitoring of traditional and digital marketing were also explored, and participants heard about the findings and reflections on countries’ experience piloting monitoring tools. Country exchange and cooperation, with technical support from WHO, remains important to support countries in overcoming the many challenges to reduce marketing pressure on children throughout the European Region.