TV diet 'fails health test'

Almost all foods advertised on television aimed at children are high in fat, sugar or salt, according to a new study.

Consumers International, a federation of 215 consumer organisations in more than 90 countries, found that confectionery, breakfast cereals and fast-food restaurants accounted for more than half of all food advertisements on television. "Most governments and the World Health Organisation are trying to promote the importance of healthy, balanced diets, especially for children," said Lucy Harris, of Consumers International. "This report shows that TV food advertising essentially undermines that message,"