Football chiefs are urged to end links with junk food companies

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS have been urged to end their links with junk food brands in an open letter from health leaders, academics and chefs.

The letter, on behalf of the Sugar Smart campaign by charities Healthy Stadia and Sustain, urges action to protect youngsters from exposure to food and drink high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS).

It was signed by 58 leading figures from councils, health organisations, academia and the food industry. The letter said: “Childhood obesity is at an all-time high, so it is with significant concern that we see the UK’s football associations, leagues and some football clubs continuing to partner with companies that are known for producing HFSS products.

“By linking themselves to sports bodies, these companies are attempting to associate their products with a healthy and active lifestyle, but in reality many of their products contain high amounts of saturated fat, sugar and/or salt.

“The over-consumption of HFSS products contributes to high levels of childhood obesity and tooth decay, and our children are paying the price of this irresponsible marketing.”

The letter said that almost 43,000 under-18s were admitted to hospital for multiple teeth extractions in England in 2016-17, mostly due to rotten teeth associated with sugar consumption.

Almost one in four children are above a healthy weight when they start primary school, rising to more than one in three by the time they leave primary school.

The letter raises concerns that despite a focus on responsible sponsorship highlighted in the Government’s 2015 Sporting Future strategy document, clubs, leagues and governing bodies are still entering into new partnership deals with companies marketing HFSS products. Advertising of HFSS products is now banned across all children’s media –including online and social – in a landmark decision designed to help tackle childhood obesity.

The letter said: “We recognise some of the excellent work undertaken by the community functions of UK leagues and clubs to increase levels of physical activity and educate children on the importance of healthier eating and active lifestyles, and for this they should be applauded.

“However, sponsorship with HFSS brands and the resulting mixed messages do much to undermine this good work, whilst consumption of many HFSS products such as sugary drinks, crisps and confectionery is not simply a treat for many children, but a daily staple.”

Signatories include chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Faculty of Public Health president Professor John Middleton, Dr Sandra Davies, director of public health at Liverpool City Council, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health president Professor Russell Viner and Professor Tim Lang, professor of food policy at City University of London.

Sustain campaigns co-ordinator Sofia Parente said: “Football leagues, associations and clubs are scoring an own goal when it comes to commercial partnerships with junk food brands. They are promoting a healthy and active lifestyle but by accepting partnerships from junk food brands, and the resulting mixed messages to child fans, they are undermining their good work.

“Our children are paying too high a price for these sponsorship deals and should be protected from this kind of marketing.”

Our children are paying too high a price for these sponsorship deals. Sofia Parente, Sustain campaigns co-ordinator.