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Lack clarity in agreement that restricts the sale of soft drinks in schools, evaluates Idec

06/23/2016

This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.

 

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voluntary initiatives by industry giant is concerned with the pressure of society, but comes up against difficulties of implementation. For Idec, ban advertising of brands is also essential to reduce consumption

 

Source: Idec 

The voluntary agreement announced yesterday (22) by Coca-Cola Brazil, Ambev and Pepsico to restrict the sale of soft drinks in schools is seen by Idec as a necessary step, but may be insufficient to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks among children. 

According to the agreement, the companies will no longer sell soft drinks directly to schools canteens "for children up to 12 years (or most children up to that age)." 

However, no clarity on various points of the initiative. The text points out that companies can continue selling "mineral water, juice with 100% fruit, coconut water and milk drinks that meet specific nutritional criteria." 

It is not clear what is what kind of juice can be sold, for example. "A juice '100% fruit' is not the same as whole juice. It is a reconstituted drink and often contains additives such as flavor, vitamin and added fiber ", explains Ana Paula Bortoletto, nutritionist and researcher at IDEC. 

Also lack information about what will be the specific criteria for milk drinks, treated as a separate category. "They have their specificities same, but many dairy drinks have as much sugar as soda," says the nutritionist Idec. 

Another controversial point is how will the procedure of companies in mixed schools with students of basic education, primary and secondary. "Because it is voluntary, the initiative may run into a number of typical difficulties of this form of regulation, such as the lack of effective monitoring mechanisms and the lack of punishment for those who do not respect the rules," says Ana Paula. 

For the expert, the prohibition of supply of sugary drinks in schools by a legislative measure, for example, would be more efficient. Currently, there are several bills under discussion by the country they intend to ban the sale of soft drinks and other unhealthy products in these locations. "Businesses should support these projects because they meet the initiative they propose the voluntary agreement and even facilitate its implementation," says the nutritionist. 

Enough advertising 

IDEC was present at two meetings with the productive sector who discussed this initiative, but did not participate in any decision on it, or on the portfolio of products that would target the measure. "Our suggestions pointed out the need for all possible ways to combat and discourage the sale of drinks in schools are implemented, including the end of advertising," explains Carlos Thadeu de Oliveira, technical manager of the Institute.

 Considering the limitations of the voluntary agreement, Idec believes the drink industries should ban the exposure of their brands in schools. For example, removing displays and freezers drinks these locations. 

"The children's advertising is abusive. Particularly in the school environment, children should be more protected from calls for drinking and other unhealthy foods, "says nutritionist Idec. 

"In the text of the agreement, the industries recognize that children under 12 years old do not have the maturity to make consumption decisions. We agreed and so defend the end of all forms of advertising to them, "he adds.

 

Source: Idec

To access the IDEC website, click here.

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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.

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