Unhealthy food marketing around New Zealand schools: a national study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:This is the first nationwide analysis of food marketing around New Zealand (NZ) schools. METHODS:Zones (500-m network buffers) were created around a sample of 950 schools (37.5% of total) using ArcGIS. Foods advertised were classified according to the NZ Food and Beverage Classification System and the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe Nutrient Profile Model. Convenience, fast food and takeaway outlets were mapped. RESULTS:About 65% of foods were not permitted to be marketed to children by the WHO model. The median and maximum number of non-permitted foods was 16.2 per km2 and 805.9 per km2, and the median number of junk food advertisements was 10.6 per km2 for urban schools. The proportion of junk food advertisements was significantly higher around schools with the highest (50.7% vs. 37.4%, p < 0.001) compared to the lowest number of socio-economically deprived children. Sugar-sweetened beverages (N = 4584, 20.4%) and fast food (N = 4329, 19.2%) were most frequently marketed. The median and maximum number of unhealthy outlets around schools was 5 and 212, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:NZ schools are surrounded by unhealthy food marketing. Regulations to restrict such marketing need to be implemented.