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27/01/2004
Parents should take responsibility for obese kids: survey
Most consumers think that parents should be responsible for improving their kids' diets, according to a poll carried out for the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
When asked to list who should take responsibility for improving children's diets in order of importance, 88% put parents at the top of the list. Forty three per cent thought that schools were second most responsible, with food manufacturers third (30%) and broadcasters fourth (26%).
Many of the 2,000 adults who took part in the poll earlier this month also indicated the help that parents needed from schools, food manufacturers and government. According to the survey, 85% thought that there should be greater controls over the way fast foods are promoted to children; 82% thought that endorsements from celebrities, such as pop stars or TV presenters, have considerable influence on children's choice of different foods; and 56% thought that sweets and chocolates should be removed from supermarket checkouts.
Sir John Krebs, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, said: "The rising level of obesity in children is worrying to us all, not least to the parents of those children. Doing nothing is not an option but reversing the trend is a huge task and one in which we all have a role to play.
"The British public recognise the role that parents must play in improving the diets and health of their children. But it is also clear from our poll that they can't do it on their own - they need support from schools, industry, broadcasters and government if they are to make a difference."
(gmcg)
When asked to list who should take responsibility for improving children's diets in order of importance, 88% put parents at the top of the list. Forty three per cent thought that schools were second most responsible, with food manufacturers third (30%) and broadcasters fourth (26%).
Many of the 2,000 adults who took part in the poll earlier this month also indicated the help that parents needed from schools, food manufacturers and government. According to the survey, 85% thought that there should be greater controls over the way fast foods are promoted to children; 82% thought that endorsements from celebrities, such as pop stars or TV presenters, have considerable influence on children's choice of different foods; and 56% thought that sweets and chocolates should be removed from supermarket checkouts.
Sir John Krebs, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, said: "The rising level of obesity in children is worrying to us all, not least to the parents of those children. Doing nothing is not an option but reversing the trend is a huge task and one in which we all have a role to play.
"The British public recognise the role that parents must play in improving the diets and health of their children. But it is also clear from our poll that they can't do it on their own - they need support from schools, industry, broadcasters and government if they are to make a difference."
(gmcg)
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