Feeding Profit: Unicef Report on Food Environments and Child Health
Why in the news
Unicef argued that the ultra-processed food (UPF) and beverage industry is fuelling childhood obesity.
Key facts
- UPF makers use money, lobbying and marketing to resist healthier policies, targeting places with weak regulation.
- Low and middle-income countries see the steepest rise in overweight children.
- In Tanzania and Zimbabwe firms built brand loyalty in schools.
| Year | Underweight | Overweight |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 13% | 11% |
| 2022 | 10% | 20% |
Recommendations
- Safeguard policy-making from industry interference, with conflict-of-interest rules.
- Restrict UPF availability and marketing near children.
- Make nutritious food affordable and accessible.
Exam angle
- Publisher: Unicef; theme: UPFs and child malnutrition.