Restricting Food Advertising Primarily Directed at Children

Posted on May 6, 2023

Are you concerned about food ads to kids? Here’s your chance to share your thoughts!

Health Canada is now seeking YOUR comments on a policy update on Restricting Food Advertising Primarily Directed at Children. While kids see food ads in a variety of media platforms, food packages, sports sponsorships and settings (such as stores, theaters and rec centres), this first phase of the policy will focus on food advertising seen on television and digital media.

Your comments can help shape the draft regulations.

The full policy update is available here, and below I’ve listed some important background below.

Background

As part of Health Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy, the government is planning to restrict advertising to children of foods that contribute to excess intakes of sodium, sugars and saturated fat.
By limiting kids’ exposure to influential food advertising, Health Canada aims to lower a child’s risk now and later for developing overweight / obesity as well as diet-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, different types of cancer, dental disease and osteoporosis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, children’s screen time increased, leading to potentially more exposure to food advertising.
Research from 2022 found that Canadian kids aged 2-6 years spend 24 hours each week watching TV / videos / YouTube and using social media / gaming. For kids aged 7-11, this figure rises to 30 hours per week.
On average, kids see 5 food ads per day on TV and 4 per day on social media. Teens see about 27 food ads on social media daily.

Health Canada is hosting webinars to discuss the policy update.

Health Canada is specifically looking for comments related to:

Defining advertising that is primarily directed to children
Targeting restrictions to advertising on TV and digital media
Restricting advertising for foods that contribute excess intakes of sodium, sugars or saturated fat

You may also send comments by June 12, 2023 to:

Bureau of Policy, Intergovernmental and International Affairs, Food Directorate

Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada
251 Sir Frederick Banting
Postal Locator 2204C
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9
Email: bpiia-bpaii@hc-sc.gc.ca

References: Health Canada (April 28, 2023). Policy update on restricting food advertising primary directed at children: Overview. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating-strategy/policy-update-restricting-food-advertising-primarily-directed-children.html

Food Trends Spotted at the One of A Kind Show!

Posted on April 3, 2023

At the One of a Kind Show in Toronto this past week, I was impressed by the number of Canadian food innovations as well as the people and stories behind them. Here are a few products that caught my eye.

Trend #1: Healthy Food Choices 24/7

It can be challenging to find healthy food choices while on the go, at work or at school. Daily Blends is an innovative Toronto-based food tech company that operates automated vending machines stocked with wholesome on-the-go meals and snacks. Some of the offerings include Spicy Tofu with Japchae and Kimchi (I taste tested this and can say it’s absolutely delicious!), Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa and a Strawberry Chia Pudding.

After immigrating to Canada from India in 2020, sisters and Co-founders Shriya and Purva Gupta recognized a need for fresh, healthy and delicious food 24/7 whether it be available at hospitals, college campuses, malls, office buildings or transit hubs. Combining Shriya’s tech background with Purva’s culinary expertise, the company uses AI software to power Daily Blends smart vending machines and capture real-time inventory / consumer data. Their chef-style meals are made from scratch every day in their Toronto kitchen facility. All unsold food is donated to local food banks and charities.

You can find Daily Blends vending machines at numerous locations including Union Station Bus Terminal (level 2), Highway 407 GO Bus Terminal, University of Toronto (Mississauga and Scarborough campuses), St. Joseph’s Health Care and St. Michael’s Hospital.

Trend #2: Next Level Hummus

In 1980, Yohannes Petros immigrated to Canada with his family from East Africa. As a student, Petros started making hummus for himself and was constantly praised for his delicious recipes. Today, he’s the creator and owner of Hanes Hummus, a line of gourmet, artisan hummus locally made in Saskatchewan.

Hanes Hummus is available in 3 flavours: Moroccan 7 Spice; Roasted Garlic and Dill; and Hot Date – which is my favourite. When I taste tested the Hot Date Hummus, I immediately noticed the sweetness of the dates followed by a kick of heat from the serrano peppers. What a lovely combination and a great product name!

Trend #3: Culinary Lavender

The delicate floral flavour of lavender is trending in both food and drinks.

Well known for their classic sweet and savoury shortbread cookies, Sprucewood is now testing a new flavour – lavender! Founder Chef Mark Pollard sources the culinary lavender from Niagara region.

In the beverage category, County Bounty Artisanal Sodas are created by Dodie Ellenbogen, a former farmer originally from Prince Edward County. When gifted with a large flat of strawberries that were about to spoil, Dodie started making cordials and later began creating bottled / canned sodas with unique combinations of local flavours. The Lavender & Lemon Herbs Soda combines culinary lavender with lemon basil or lemon balm.

Trend #4: Beet It!

Beets weren’t a big part of Anan Palanichamy’s diet growing up in India. But when the food processing engineer moved to Winnipeg Manitoba, he discovered their great taste and nutritional properties. The beet ketchup is made with beets grown in Portage la Prairie. Ingredients include beets, chia seeds and garlic. The sugar content of the beet ketchup is comparable to tomato ketchup, but is low sodium with only 5 mg per 1 tablespoon serving compared to about 150 mg in ketchup. The company also offers beet hummus, beet chips and beet chutney.

Trend #5: On-the-go Breakfast

It all started with a desire to have an easy, delicious breakfast while camping. Driven by their love of the outdoors, siblings Peter, Chris and Katie Phillips created Chiamigos – a convenient plant-based breakfast or snack. Unlike typical chia pudding which needs to set overnight, Chiamigos is ready in 5 minutes and can be made with hot or cold water, milk or plant-based beverage. The Crunchy Peanut Butter flavour contains 10 grams of fibre, 14 grams of protein and 6 grams of sugar per serving.

BONUS!

I was starstruck meeting Colin Asuncion, one of the finalists in the 2019 season of The Great Canadian Baking Show! Colin also appeared in a holiday baking special in 2021 and is a Toronto-based singer, stage performer, marketing manager and of course – star baker!

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