WHO and UNICEF have jointly released a new toolkit to support countries’ implementation of mandatory comprehensive policies to restrict the food marketing children are exposed to.

The toolkit aims to practically guide governments and partners through the steps of introducing fit-for-purpose legal measures to restrict food marketing. It supports governments to take action using a child rights perspective and complements WHO’s recent Guideline on Policies to protect children from the harmful impact of food marketing and UNICEF’s A child rights-based approach to food marketing: a guide for policymakers.

Despite political commitments and the recognition that food marketing can violate children’s rights, evidence continues to show that children of all ages remain exposed to the aggressive marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages high in unhealthy fats, free sugars and/or salt. As food marketing proliferates globally, and increasing numbers of childhood becoming overweight, with obesity continuing to rise, the time for action is now. WHO and UNICEF stand ready to support governments in scaling up action to protect children from the harmful impact of food marketing and to transform food environments and build a brighter, healthier future for all children.