[Analysis of foods advertised to childhood audience on chilean television].

OBJECTIVE

To examine food advertising aimed at childhood's audience broadcast on Chilean television.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study. Food advertising broadcast by 4 open signal TV channels was recorded for 12 hours daily on twelve days randomly selected. Notices were classified according to food groups and level of processing. The frequency of food advertisement aimed to childhood audience was compared with those for adults. Nutrient profile of foods advertised was described.

RESULTS

In 144 hours of recording appeared 530 food advertisement; 53.2% were aimed to childhood audience. The most advertised foods were sugary dairy (28.4%), sweetened beverages (25.5%), and sweetened cereals (17.7%). Of the foods advertised to childhood audience, 75% exceeds the criterion for free sugars.

CONCLUSIONS

Chilean television advertises ultra-processed foods that exceed the limits of free sugars.