00:00Children and young people in Liverpool have described a food environment filled with advertising for fast food, sugary drinks and
00:08snacks.
00:09Their experience features in a new report funded by Liverpool City Council's public health team and produced by Health Equalities
00:17Group.
00:17Primary school pupils, parents and young inspectors talked about what they see on journeys and eating out.
00:24Children recalled adverts on buses, bus stops, billboards, television and social media.
00:31Fast food brands were remembered most often, while healthier advertising was less common.
00:37The report says research found one in four adverts across Liverpool promotes food high in fat, salt or sugar.
00:45It says this advertising is common in areas facing inequalities.
00:48Parents raised concerns about colourful packaging and characters, encouraging children to request products.
00:56Families told the project healthier options can be more expensive, harder to find and less prominently displayed.
01:02They called for stronger controls, affordable food, visibility and local involvement.
01:07Liverpool City Council introduced a healthier food advertising policy in 2024, covering spaces it controls.
01:15Regional restrictions also cover spaces controlled by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
01:21Privately owned sites remain outside those rules.
01:25The report calls for national action.
