Food Advertising and Marketing

Food advertising and marketing make up a major segment of the marketing and advertising industries and are thought to have significant effects on public health as they influence eating habits and can encourage and reinforce the consumption of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Of particular concern is the impact on young children and adolescents during a period when they are developing their eating habits. This entry describes food advertising and marketing, discusses their development, and looks at key debates surrounding food advertising and marketing.

Food advertising has grown from simple on-product stamps or labels and local distribution to global brand recognition and multimillion dollar campaigns. This shift has occurred in line with the development and capability of mass communication and new technologies such as ...