Jaipur, March 13: Even as majority of children get influenced by advertisements and consume junk food, parents, who succumb to their demands, are also responsible for inculcating unhealthy food habits, according to a recent study.
The study 'Junk Food Trap', which was carried out by the
Centre for Consumer Action Research & Training (CUTSCART), a
Jaipur based consumer advocacy group, found that 85 per cent
children are influenced by advertisements.
While around 35 per cent parents blame it on
advertisements for the increasing demand of junk food among
children, the study said both school administration and
parents are equally responsible for the trend.
"Around 63 per cent of the schools have canteens, which
sell junk food without any restriction and 86 per cent parents
prefer packed food items as gift on festivals and other
occasions," it said.
The survey, conducted in 30 government and private
schools across the city, is part of a global strategy by
CUTSCART to advocate against the marketing of unhealthy foods
on the eve of the World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) on March
15.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, March 13, 2009, 00:00