A study of the content, type, style and extent of food and beverage advertising in South Africa: Investigating four free-to-air television channels (SABC 1–3 and eTV)

Abstract

Television (TV), a powerful medium used by industry for marketing, increases the popularity of certain food products and beverages. Through a range of techniques, this is done to persuade adults and children to buy these commodities, most of which are detrimental to human health. For instance, they are high in simple sugars, fructose corn syrup and refined carbohydrates; engineered to contain artificial ingredients; high in macronutrients, low in micronutrients and dietary fibre, and require less time and energy to digest. Thereby, predisposing individuals who over-consume these foods to overweight, obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCD). These health conditions have been implicated in the burden of disease in South Africa. As such, we must monitor and evaluate the advertisement of these commodities on free-to-air TV channels in the country to generate audit information