ACCC marks World Consumer Rights Day: Calls for responsible marketing of food to children

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has marked World Consumer Rights Day* by calling for responsible marketing by the food industry, particularly when food is promoted to children.

"World Consumer Rights Day is an international day of action and awareness which promotes the rights of consumers around the globe," ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today.

"This year, consumer organisations around Australia and the world are joining forces to take part in a day of action to highlight concerns associated with the marketing of food, particularly to children.

"The campaign will encourage governments and the food industry to take greater responsibility for the marketing of food. The ACCC recognises the work in Australia by organisations such as CHOICE to raise awareness of concerns associated with junk food advertising to children.

"The ACCC is particularly concerned to ensure food marketing does not breach the Trade Practices Act.

"A key part of dealing with junk food advertising is ensuring that consumers receive truthful information as children and young people can be particularly vulnerable consumers. 

"The ACCC has taken a number of successful actions in relation to misleading or deceptive claims in the food and beverage industry. It will deal firmly with any further cases of misleading conduct.

"If businesses breach the law, the ACCC will take action. The food and beverage industry must be vigilant in marketing responsibly in this area.

"No matter how a business communicates with you – whether it is through packaging, advertising, logos, endorsements or sales pitch - you have the right to receive accurate and truthful messages about the products that are available to you.

"If the ACCC becomes aware of business conduct which could mislead or deceive, for example in relation to the ingredients or nutritional value of a particular food, the ACCC won't hesitate to intervene."

World Consumer Rights Day is an excellent opportunity to remind the food and beverage industry that there are laws in place to protect consumers from false, misleading, and deceptive marketing practices.

"While it can be a challenge to teach children about good nutrition and the value of healthy food choices, carers of children have a right to receive truthful information about the foods they purchase."

Background

World Consumer Rights Day is an international day of action and awareness, observed by consumer organisations and civil rights groups around the world. 15 March marks the day President John F. Kennedy told the US Congress: "Consumers by definition, include us all. They are the largest economic group, affecting and affected by almost every public and private economic decision. Yet they are the only important group... whose views are often not heard."

World Consumer Rights Day is co-ordinated by Consumers International. CI is the only independent global campaigning voice for consumers. With over 220 member organisations in 115 countries, CI seeks to build a strong international consumer movement to help protect and empower consumers everywhere. For more information, visit www.consumersinternational.org. The ACCC is a member of CI.