14th Meeting of the WHO European action network on reducing marketing pressure on children, Bern, Switzerland, 8 – 9 May 2019: meeting report

Abstract

In May 2019, the 14th meeting of the WHO European Action Network on Reducing Marketing Pressure on Children took place in Bern, Switzerland. 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 11 Member States belonging to the Network participated in the meeting, along with academic experts and representatives of civil society and international organizations, including WHO. Several countries reported on progress in introducing measures to restrict HFSS food marketing to children, and participants heard of new tools, templates and training developed to support Member States in their efforts.The digital marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children poses serious challenges. Participants learned about how the digital marketing ecosystem works and of new research to help understand children’s exposure to such marketing and its impact. Continued country cooperation, with technical support from WHO, will be essential to help countries overcome these challenges and reduce marketing pressure on children throughout the European Region.