Non-core food impacts: Measuring children's exposure to non-core food television advertising in Adelaide, South Australia and the impact of self-regulatory industry initiatives

Abstract

Netherlands, UK, Canada and the USA (US and UK data to be available by mid-2012). In each nation, the same audit tool was used to assess the amount of shelf-space dedicated to soft drinks, chocolate, confectionery and crisps. Placement at checkouts and end-of-aisle displays of these items was also assessed. Results: Sizeable cross-national differences in the availability of snack foods between countries were apparent. Adjusted for store size, Australian supermarkets had the greatest amount of shelf space dedicated to all snack foods combined (40.4m). When items were analysed separately Australian supermarkets stocked the most soft drinks and chocolate whilst Swedish stores had greater shelf space of confectionery and crisps. The percent of register displays and end-of-aisle displays containing snack foods were highest in Australia (97% and 38%, respectively) and lowest in the Netherlands (40% and 17%, respectively). Conclusions: We have demonstrated large intercountry variation in the display of energy-dense snack foods by major supermarkets chains. This international study can help inform the debate surrounding the display and availability of unhealthy items within supermarkets.